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Myths and facts about the measles outbreak

Public health officials are warning of a measles outbreak and are including Colorado in the list of affected states.
Credit: KUSA

DENVER, Colorado — Public health officials are warning of a measles outbreak across the country. Colorado has been included in the list of states reporting cases. 

We talked with experts to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the measles outbreak.

MYTH: An outbreak is a dramatic event threatening the end of the world.

FACT: The CDC defines a measles outbreak as three or more cases. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said there is one confirmed case of measles in Colorado in 2019. The Medical Director of Infection Prevention at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, Dr. Michelle Barron, told 9NEWS she is aware of two cases in Colorado. 

"An outbreak is basically when there’s more than one or two cases of a specific disease that you don’t anticipate. These are not uncommon. The movies sort of make it seem like it’s going to be this dramatic event that the whole world is going to end because this is floating through when, in fact, they occur all the time," Dr. Barron said.

MYTH: The measles vaccine is associated with autism and other issues.

FACT: Dr. Barron told 9NEWS there is a lot of misinformation circulating on the internet regarding the measles vaccination in children. 

"Protecting them is really in your best interest. You make them wear seatbelts. You put on helmets for their bikes. You do all these things every day that you know is going to keep them safe even though the likelihood of them getting into an accident is low. This is the same type of approach. You want them protected and some of these diseases can be fatal. If you can give them a shot and take care of it, it’s worth your while," Dr. Barron said. 

She advised arming yourself with facts from verified sources like the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. "Be aware, be informed, and be prepared," Barron said. 

MYTH: People are protected from the measles virus.

FACT: The measles virus is incredibly contagious. 

"The estimates are that if somebody had active measles and was around ten people, nine of the ten people would end up with measles," Dr. Barron said. 

According to Dr. Barron, it's important for vulnerable populations and those interacting with vulnerable populations to double check their vaccine status. 

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