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HOUSTON – In less than two weeks, a measles outbreak in the Houston area has propelled this once-well-thought-out disease.
Of the 6 cases examined in the Houston area, 4 of the 5 children were vaccinated.
Catherine Troisi, PhD, epidemiologist at the UTHealth School of Public Health, explains why a vaccine might not work.
"It may be genetics and there may be something in your immune response that will not respond to the vaccine," said Troisi.
"If the vaccine is not given at the right ages, it can also affect whether it protects you or not. And then, if the vaccine has not been stored properly, it must be kept cold. It could also affect whether the vaccine works or not, "she said.
Overall, the vaccine is very effective with a success rate of 93% after one dose and 97% after two doses. Dr. Troisi asked if the measles virus had mutated.
"This has been protecting children since the 1960s. The virus has not changed since all this time. There is absolutely no evidence that this has changed, "she said.
To explain why the measles virus has not mutated, Dr. Troisi says it is a medical mystery.
"Viruses have as genetic material RNA or DNA. If they are RNA, they are more likely to change, HIV is an example, "said Troisi. Measles is an RNA virus but it is very stable. I'm not sure why, but fortunately only a vaccine … and you're protected for life.
Houston has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country. According to the CDC, approximately 87% of the Houston population is vaccinated. The recommended rate is at least 90%.
"Texas is an epidemic-prone territory because of our high rate of non-vaccination," said Troisi, "We've been lucky so far." I have two grandchildren under 12 months that can not be vaccinated I'm very worried about them, I think we'll see more. "
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