Covering the recent measles outbreak in New Jersey, CBS News reached out to ID Care Medical Director Dr. Joseph Kim for his expert opinion. Dr. Kim emphasized the critical importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease.
The measles outbreak, which has affected unvaccinated individuals in Bergen County, underscores the necessity for maintaining high vaccination rates to protect public health. “A little over 20 years ago, this was declared eradicated from the continental United States. However, we do still see sporadic cases in travelers who bring it back,” said Dr. Kim. He adds that measles is highly contagious but “exceptionally preventable.”
Dr. Kim’s insights highlight the role of healthcare professionals in educating the community about the benefits of immunization and the risks associated with vaccine-preventable diseases.