Measles Outbreak to Hit USA, Canada & West Africa After Ebola Virus?

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The number of measles cases in the USA, Canada & West Africa is steadily climbing at an alarming rate.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), they have noted over 173 cases from 17 states beginning January 1 to March 6, 2015. In Canada, there have been over 119 cases according to the CBC News. For African countries hit by Ebola, they may yet face an impending outbreak of measles should child vaccinations continue to be suspended.

According to Bername.com, "an outbreak could occur soon in the region with an impact that could exceed Ebola which has resulted in 24,000 cases and nearly 10,000 deaths since early 2014." This is based on the U.S. journal, "Science", written by US and Britain researchers.

Most measles outbreaks is mainly because it is a highly contagious disease. Both outbreaks in the U.S. and Canada, while still no single source identified, could be traced back to an amusement part in California, notes CDC. The outbreak likely started with an individual with measles who visited Disneyland in Anaheim.

Measles, also known as rubeola, is an infection caused by a virus. This is a highly contagious disease that can be spread through contact with infected mucus and saliva. Contamination can also come from the cough or sneeze of an infected person. Signs and symptoms include inflamed eyes, sore throat, fever, cough and runny nose and skin rash. While fatal for children, measles can easily be prevented through vaccination.

Due to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, the availability of vaccinations has plummeted due to health care facilities closing down in the effort not to be contaminated. The potential of measles being the indirect legacy of the Ebola outbreak is high because of its easy transmissibility as a disease. Science Mag notes that this possible scenario could likely result to over an additional 16,000 deaths on top of the Ebola mortality toll.

Measles is one of the leading causes of child mortality in the world, even though there is a cost-effective vaccine available. Each vaccination approximately costs one dollar and is enough to immunize a child against the contagious disease. The Global Measles and Rubella Strategic plan launched by the M&R Initiative in 2012 has included new global goals for 2015 and 2020 including having all WHO Regions eliminate the preventable disease by 2020. The Measles & Rubella Initiative (M&R Initiative) is a global partnership by the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and WHO.