The Ripple Effect of Measles Exposure in Iowa Day Care
Introduction
A recent measles exposure at a day care center in Iowa has forced a family to take weeks off work to care for their baby. Martha Martin, the mother, has used up all of her remaining vacation days for the year and it still won't be enough. This situation highlights the importance of vaccination and the impact it can have on families.
The Dangers of Measles
Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, can have serious consequences for infants, who are not old enough to receive the vaccine. This is why it is crucial for all individuals, including adults, to be vaccinated in order to protect those who cannot be vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2019, there were 1282 confirmed cases of measles in the United States, the highest number in more than 25 years.
The Ripple Effect
The impact of one unvaccinated person can have a ripple effect on an entire community. When individuals choose not to vaccinate, they not only put themselves at risk, but also those who are unable to receive the vaccine, such as infants and individuals with compromised immune systems. In addition, outbreaks like the one at the Iowa day care center can have major economic consequences, as families are forced to take time off work to care for sick loved ones.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The **Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)** is a premier U.S. public health agency founded on July 1, 1946, evolving from the World War II Malaria Control in War Areas program. Initially focused on controlling malaria in the southern U.S., the CDC quickly expanded its scope to tackle a wide range of communicable diseases, chronic conditions, injuries, environmental health, and bioterrorism threats[2][4][7]. The CDC’s early years were marked by crucial public health interventions, including investigating the 1955 polio vaccine contamination and managing influenza epidemics, which established its credibility and secured its survival during periods of limited federal support[1]. Over decades, it grew from a small malaria control unit with a $1 million budget and 369 employees into a vast organization housing over 200 specialized laboratories and multiple advanced biosafety level 4 labs[5]. Its mission encompasses detecting and responding to emerging health threats—such as COVID-19—tackling leading causes of death like heart disease and cancer, promoting healthy communities, and developing the public health workforce. The CDC serves as a critical scientific research hub and a primary communicator of health information to the public and policymakers[7]. Notable achievements include pioneering “shoe-leather epidemiology,” which involves on-the-ground disease investigation, and contributions to vaccine safety, infectious disease surveillance, and public health guidelines that have shaped global standards[1][5]. The agency’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, symbolizes its roots in southern malaria control but now supports global health efforts with offices across the U.S. and overseas[2][6]. Today, the CDC remains a magnet for multidisciplinary experts—physicians, epidemiologists, microbiologists, social scientists—working collaboratively to address complex health challenges. Its evolution from a wartime malaria control program to a comprehensive disease prevention powerhouse highlights its vital role in safeguarding public health and advancing biomedical science through cutting-edge technology and research[4][
