Why Is It Important to Continue Vaccinating Children in the United

question 5

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to continue vaccinating children in the United States against measles, even though it is now a rare disease in the Western Hemisphere?

• A) A rare complication of measles is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) that is characterized by progressive brain degeneration, and generally results in death within 2 years.
• B) Measles that occurs during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature labor, and low-birth-weight babies.
• C) Occasionally, the measles virus causes viral pneumonia, with rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and dusky skin color from lack of adequate O2 in the blood.
• D) Encephalitis is a rare but serious complication of measles that sometimes results in permanent brain damage, with mental disability, deafness, and epilepsy.
• E) All of these complications are reasons that the measles vaccine should be continued in the United States.

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Definitions:

Sterile Dressings

Medical dressings that are free from bacteria and other organisms, used to protect wounds from infection.

Protective Eyewear

Personal protective equipment designed to shield the eyes from hazardous materials, debris, or radiation.

Heart Attack

A medical emergency involving the blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, often resulting in damage or death of part of the heart tissue.

Profuse Perspiration

Excessive sweating, which could be a response to physical activity, heat, stress, or a medical condition.