Local

Local doctors concerned after deadly measles outbreak in Europe

By Liz Foster
By Liz Foster

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As measles cases hit a record high in Europe, with 41,000 cases so far this year, some doctors fear the highly contagious virus could spread in the United States.

“Oh wow, that’s devastating. No, I haven’t heard,” said Charlotte resident Erika Tonnah.

[CDC warns of measles outbreak in 22 states, including Carolinas]

Measles can cause serious health complications; particularly for children younger than five. While measles has been nearly wiped out in the U.S., the CDC warns the disease is still a concern.

“You think of measles as something that was back from earlier times before there was vaccinations,” said Jennie Karelin. “You wouldn’t think with our medicine now, there would an issue.”

[CLICK HERE to learn more about measles]

Most children get the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, which is 97-percent effective with two doses. But the World Health Organization states one of the reasons for the widespread health issue in Europe is fewer people getting vaccinated.

“In today’s day and age, it’s actually kind of scary given the fact that we don’t have control I guess over something that seemingly is so basic, as compared to some other issues like ebola,” Keith Karelin said.

An infectious disease doctor with Atrium Health was not available for an interview, but sent Channel 9 a statement that reads:

"While early symptoms of measles can be confused with a cold or the flu (such as fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat), one big differentiator is that measles are characterized by a whole-body rash that is typically not present with colds and flu. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are thought to be about 97 percent effective. Whether in the U.S. or abroad, measles spread as an airborne virus through coughing and sneezing, so patients who have the illness could expose other individuals, particularly in populations where vaccination rates are lower."

So far this year, there have been three cases of the measles in North Carolina and none in South Carolina.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

Cox Media Group

Most Read