Countries in the Americas are seeing their highest number of measles cases in more than twenty-two years. Experts say that low vaccination rates and heavy international travel are causing this sudden return of the contagious disease.
Between January and August, the region recorded over fifty-one thousand cases. Guatemala, Mexico, the United States, and Peru have most of these cases. Health organizations are telling countries to improve their vaccination programs and respond quickly to stop the illness.
Data shows that most people with measles did not get the vaccine. Only eighty-five percent of the population has the two required doses, which is below the level needed to protect everyone.
Difficult words
- vaccination — a medical treatment that protects people from a specific diseasevaccine
- contagious — an illness that can spread easily from person to person
- region — a particular area or part of the world
- population — all the people living in a particular country or area
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why is getting a vaccine important for stopping diseases like measles?
- What can health organizations do to help improve vaccination programs?
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