Measles is a viral disease, caused by the measles virus entering the body, gaining access to your body cells and replicating. It causes a variety of symptoms, the most notable being the high fever and blotchy rash covering the face and neck. Although, since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, the prevalence of measles in the population has decreased dramatically, it still kills over 100,000 people each year (1). 

Measles has entered the news again recently due to the surge in cases in the United States. The number of cases this year has been reported as 695 (27^thApril) and is expected to rise further. 

Los Angeles and the state of California has taken serious precaution by taking 700 students at two Los Angeles universities into quarantine over fears of them contracting the disease. The outbreak is not contained to just California, as 22 states have declared cases. New York have seen the highest number of cases with potentially over 390 cases reported in New York City. The NYC health department have made the controversial decision requiring those in affected areas to get the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination or prove they have immunisation (2)

The cause of the outbreak is thought to be linked to a number of anti-vaccination campaigns and children missing out on their suggested vaccinations. 

This opens up the question – should vaccines be a legal requirement?

1. World Health Organisation,  https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measlesAccessed: 28 April 2019
2. Giordino, C. Measles cases hit 25 year high as anti-vax campaign blamed for return of deadly preventable diseases. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/measles-outbreak-vaccination-anti-vax-cdc-autism-us-uk-a8885441.htmlAccessed: 28 April 2019