How contagious is measles compared to COVID or a cold?
From PBS NewsHour.
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The U.S. was once a global leader in its ability to contain measles. But the virus is surging back.
Measles is prevented with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Over years of study, the MMR vaccine has proven to be a safe, effective and lifesaving intervention. While a majority of Americans still believe in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, a small but growing number of them are turning away from those tools.
Officially, the U.S. has seen almost 7,500 measles cases since January of last year. But many believe that number is a vast undercount.
“This is a virus that is extremely contagious,” Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University, told Horizons host William Brangham. “Obviously, that’s why we want to vaccinate everyone.”
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Measles is prevented with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Over years of study, the MMR vaccine has proven to be a safe, effective and lifesaving intervention. While a majority of Americans still believe in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, a small but growing number of them are turning away from those tools.
Officially, the U.S. has seen almost 7,500 measles cases since January of last year. But many believe that number is a vast undercount.
“This is a virus that is extremely contagious,” Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University, told Horizons host William Brangham. “Obviously, that’s why we want to vaccinate everyone.”
Horizons from PBS News dives into the science, health, technology and environmental issues making headlines each week. Visit the PBS News website to watch this week’s episode.
Watch PBS News for daily, breaking and live news, plus special coverage. We are home to PBS News Hour, ranked the most credible and objective TV news show.
Sign up for Here's The Deal with Lisa Desjardins: https://to.pbs.org/41q6E8i
Subscribe for exclusive content in our newsletters: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/subscribe
PBS News podcasts: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/podcasts
Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app: https://to.pbs.org/2Jb8twG
Find more from PBS News at https://www.pbs.org/newshour
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