CRESTVIEW — Measles is making a comeback.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 102 cases of measles were diagnosed in 14 states in January.
Most of these cases are linked to a measles outbreak at an amusement park in California.
In 2014, the U.S. experienced the greatest number of measles cases — 644 cases in 27 states — since the virus was declared eliminated here 14 years ago, according to the CDC.
Most of these cases were in people who were not vaccinated.
“Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of measles,” said Lida Deonarine, North Okaloosa Medical Center's director of Infection Control and Employee Health. “CDC research shows that one dose of the measles vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles if someone is exposed to the virus, and two doses are about 97 percent effective.”
Measles is still common in other countries, and travelers with measles continue to bring the virus to the U.S. An outbreak can occur when the disease reaches a community where groups of people are unvaccinated.
The CDC recommends that every child receive a first dose of the measles vaccination after reaching the age of 12 months. A second dose is recommended for 4- to 6- year-olds.
Vaccination is also recommended for adults who do not have evidence of immunity to the measles.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NOMC: Vaccination key to prevent spread of measles