Fact Check: Measles can infect 18 people from just one infected individual.

Fact Check: "Measles can infect 18 people from just one infected individual."

What We Know

Measles is known to be one of the most contagious diseases. According to the CDC, if one person has measles, they can infect up to 9 out of 10 people nearby who are not vaccinated or immune. This high transmission rate is due to the virus's ability to spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The basic reproduction number (R0) for measles, which measures the average number of people one infected person can infect in a completely susceptible population, is estimated to be between 12 and 18 (PubMed, Columbia Magazine). This means that, on average, one infected individual can potentially infect between 12 to 18 other people.

Analysis

The claim that "measles can infect 18 people from just one infected individual" aligns with the scientific understanding of the disease's contagiousness. The CDC's data supports that 9 out of 10 unprotected individuals can contract measles from a single infected person, while other studies indicate that the R0 can reach as high as 18 in certain conditions (CDC, PubMed).

However, it is important to note that the actual number of people infected can vary based on several factors, including vaccination rates in the community and the proximity of individuals to the infected person. For instance, in a highly vaccinated population, the number of secondary infections would likely be lower than in a population with low vaccination coverage (Stanford Medicine).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, primarily from public health institutions and peer-reviewed studies. The CDC is a leading authority on infectious diseases, and the studies referenced are widely cited in the medical community, indicating a high level of reliability.

Conclusion

The claim that "measles can infect 18 people from just one infected individual" is True. The evidence shows that measles is extremely contagious, with an R0 that supports the potential for one infected person to infect between 12 to 18 others, particularly in a susceptible population. The high transmission rate emphasizes the importance of vaccination to prevent outbreaks.

Sources

1. Measles is Highly Contagious Infographic | Measles (Rubeola) - CDC
2. About Measles - CDC
3. Measles Cases and Outbreaks - CDC
4. The basic reproduction number (R0) of measles - PubMed
5. The World's Most Contagious Disease Makes a Comeback - Columbia Magazine
6. Five things to know about measles, and its risk to the young and old - Stanford Medicine
7. Measles on the rise | UCR News | UC Riverside
8. U.S. Measles Tracker | International Vaccine Access Center