It is an inconvenience when a formerly eradicated and possibly lethal disease decides to return. Have no fear, however, because scientists and doctors have a sure-fire solution to this problem. Measles, which had been eradicated in the U.S. since 2000, has begun popping up on the west coast of the U. S. and has become a concern as of late, particularly in California. Talk has begun of whether measles could ever become a deadly disease again in the U.S.

Measles is a viral disease that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat. It’s followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Measles virus is a highly contagious virus and spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing.” A vaccination program for this disease began in 1963, when about three to four million Americans contracted the virus each year, and between 400 and 500 of those cases proved fatal.

Since then, the number of measles cases has plummeted to the point that the disease was no longer considered consistently present in the U.S. The year 2004 had the lowest-recorded numbers of measles cases in history: 37 people according to the CDC. Measles still exists in parts of Europe and Asia and cases of measles in the U.S. are often transmitted by travelers to people who have not been vaccinated. In recent years, unvaccinated populations are growing and helping to spread the disease to others who have not, cannot or will not vaccinate.

So what does this mean for us at Elizabethtown College? While the CDC says most of the 700 or so cases in the U.S. are located on the west coast, particularly California, outbreaks have been creeping their way east. As of Feb. 6, Nebraska is the eastern-most state containing people with the measles virus. It has a long way to Pennsylvania, but one should not rule out an outbreak happening here.

Measles is still dangerous, however, it is not widespread, and knowing is the first step to staying ahead of this disease. Out of a pool of 10 students at the College, none of them could describe what measles was or what was going on with the outbreaks on the other side of the nation. One of the “cons” to eradicating a disease in a country is the populace of that country will forget to teach what that disease entails, and should that disease ever reemerge, panic can ensue.

So what should we do here in and around Etown to deal with the outbreak? The CDC recommends that one should double-check their vaccination records for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. This vaccine is safe and effective, only requiring a booster once if you are initially inoculated during your first 12-15 months of life. If you cannot remember, getting the vaccine again as an adult will have no ill effects, but you should always consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding any vaccine.

In times like these, it is important to keep calm and remain informed. Only by working together and ensuring everyone able to be inoculated is is how we are able to protect ourselves and help those who physically cannot get vaccinated for allergy reasons. The CDC estimates that measles could make a big resurgence if enough people avoid, forget or do not know they need vaccinations.

There is still a fair percentage of the population who still need to complete the inoculation. “In 2013, the overall national coverage for MMR vaccine among children aged 19-35 months was 91.9 per cent. However, MMR vaccine coverage levels continue to vary by state… At the county or lower levels, vaccine coverage rates may vary considerably,” the CDC reported.

The CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) both report that it is entirely feasible to eliminate measles permanently from the United States and the planet. All members of the WHO have committed themselves to eradicating measles entirely by 2020. If we all do our part, talk to our doctors and stay informed we can finally be free of such a dreadful disease.