Measles Outbreak & Vaccine: Protection Through Facts and Personal Stories A measles outbreak is currently happening in Texas, and it’s spreading among people who aren’t vaccinated. Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air and can cause serious health problems. What You Need to Know:
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It can be dangerous, especially for babies, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.
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Symptoms usually start 7 to 14 days after infection and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash.
In this interview, Wednesday Jones, Able SC, Advocacy & Independent Living Program Assistant speaks with two of their community members who experienced the impact of measles before the vaccine was available. A Personal Reflection from Mr. David In 1955, a measles outbreak hit our community, and I was one of many who caught the disease. I remember my mother being very cautious, keeping me in a darkened room to protect my eyes from potential damage. It wasn’t easy, especially since I missed some of my final exams that semester. But after I recovered, I’ll never forget my science teacher driving out to our farm and sitting down with me in the field to give me my test orally while I worked. Measles during that time meant isolation. Families avoided crowds and public spaces to limit the spread, and life became a lot more restricted. Looking back, I realize that if we had a vaccine then, much suffering could have been prevented and lives could have been saved. Today, I believe it’s so important for everyone to get vaccinated. If everyone had been vaccinated back then, we might have been able to eliminate measles altogether. Refusing to vaccinate doesn’t just affect you—it can lead to preventable deaths or long-term injuries for others. Getting vaccinated is about protecting yourself and your community. A Personal Reflection from Mr. Paul My older brother, David, was likely the first in our family to catch measles. I was younger at the time, just a kid, and I ended up with a mild case—mostly just a week at home reading books and itching. It was uncomfortable, but nothing too severe. However, I’ll never forget a pregnant woman in our community who also contracted measles; her child was born blind as a result. While I didn’t suffer the serious consequences that others did, I saw firsthand how devastating measles could be. Looking back, I can’t stress enough how important it is to trust science and the power of vaccines. Today, especially with the ease of getting vaccinated, I urge younger generations to take this seriously. Vaccines protect not just you, but those around you, preventing the kind of suffering I saw in my community. The simple act of getting vaccinated can make all the difference. Get Vaccinated! The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) is safe and effective:
If you’re not vaccinated, you’re at risk. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about getting the MMR vaccine today. References: CDC, Measles (Rubeola) |
