Last month, measles cases in the Southwestern United States reached the highest levels since the disease was declared eliminated over 25 years ago, highlighting the detrimental effects of the misinformation and inaction surrounding vaccines by the CDC administration.
Many may believe that measles is not very dangerous or is a minor virus that can easily be treated, similar to the flu. This is not true, as measles is among the most dangerous viral diseases of the world, known for its characteristic red spots on the skin, which can cause serious complications. Even more, about 1 in 5 unvaccinated children infected with measles will be hospitalized, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Measles is one of the most contagious known infections, and for an outbreak to end quickly, 17 out of the 18 people in a community must be vaccinated, more than 94% of the community,” Johnathan Corum and Teddy Rosenbluth of The New York Times said. “Measles can lead to pneumonia and brain swelling, which can cause lasting damage including blindness, deafness and intellectual disabilities.”
According to the New York Times, 719 of the 762 infected were all unvaccinated, leading to 99 hospitalizations and the deaths of two unvaccinated children, one only 8 years old. While Measles is a contagious disease taking away and affecting lives, it can be easily prevented through vaccines.
“The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very safe and effective. When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated (coverage >95%), most people are protected through community immunity.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Many people remember the devastating spread and effects Covid-19 pandemic, and few remember it better than the hospitals that were constantly flooded with new patients. Serious, long-lasting cases and deaths of the weak and unvaccinated, became the new normal for these healthcare professionals. After such tragedies, the ICUs that were once overcrowded and understaffed have now come out the pandemic stronger and more prepared for the future.
Hospitals as far away from the epicenter of the spread as New York have had meetings with administration and even the Department of Health to prepare in cases of emergency.
“Doctors are making efforts to reach out to the communities, particularly religious centers, like synagogues, churches, and mosques to stay ahead of the curve,” Dr. Azfar Chak, Chief of Infectious Diseases at Montefiore Hospital, said. “God forbid if it does, but if it reaches the next level, the lessons we learned from Covid will help us be prepared.”
Doctors and health officials worldwide are working their hardest to spread information on pro-vaccination. If the public also focuses on vaccine awareness, measles cases would drop significantly.
While this might seem bleak, medical professionals are urging people to stay educated on health-related topics and to protect against future epidemics.
“I think, as medical professionals, some leaders should be on the forefront and with the public, which provides opportunities to spread information,” Chak said. “I think this would be one of the ways to get more people aware and educated about this and hopefully you know it can prevent more outbreaks and hopefully save many more lives.”
