Diseases such as Measles have a high rate of transmission, which is why every American State requires children to get immunized by the time they go to preschool. However throughout the years many parents have opted out of the vaccination for religious, philosophical and other beliefs. The number of children not becoming vaccinated against these infectious diseases has been on the rise since 1990. This article discusses why and how the U.S public health has been on the look out for cases of infectious diseases that could potentially infect many people quickly. Early detection is key to the public health experts when trying to prevent people from getting these infectious diseases. The U.S public heath experts are trying to vaccinate as many people as they can against these harmful diseases in hope that in the future the number of cases found per year will decrease.
When first reading this article I had no idea measles had been "eliminated" in the U.S in 2000. However, as good as that logistic sounds, there have been over 161 measles cases across 16 different states this year alone; the highest number of cases since 2011 (when 220 were reported). I find it easier to picture what the impact of infectious diseases have on a community or on people by numbers. As we can clearly see the U.S is suppose to be gone with measles for good! But the numbers do not lie, and we still see cases each year…which brings to mind one question. How are people contracting this infectious disease? I would take a guess many public health experts ask this question as well because they too want to protect the U.S from getting infectious diseases.
This article reminded me of the public health measures people would follow when the smallpox epidemics were occurring. The people during the smallpox epidemics would stack stones in their windows to keep disease away, they would flee for their life, some would get inoculated, others would pray, etc. Infectious diseases such as measles and pertussis are highly contagious meaning getting yourself vaccinated is crucial. Since we have the luxury of becoming immune, why not take that simple task for granted? The benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh any risks the diseases may offer.
This article is very interesting and relates to things today. I think it is really important to teach people that most diseases aren't completely erradicated and that they get all the facts about vaccinations. People still don't receive vaccinations even though it has been proven effective. It is key to spread the truth about vaccinations to prevent an outbreak like this to occur. People don't realize that their decision to not get vaccinated can affect their families as well as the people around them.
ReplyDeleteI found it very interesting to see that in 2000, this disease was eliminated in the U.S. Obviously that statistic shows the effectiveness of the vaccine and how it keeps the community safe. I think that this vaccine needs to be better enforced again to keep kids safe. It's an easy process and one shot will do the trick. If you have the tools to keep people healthy, why not utilize them and stop the spread of an awful disease?
ReplyDeleteLiz, I definitely agree with the point you made at the end: "The benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh any risks the diseases may offer". It is very surprising to me that people are opting out of getting this vaccine even though the statistics prove it is on the rise. You make a good point about taking advantage of the privilege we are presented with and simply getting the vaccine. I think if I were a parent deciding whether or not to immunize my child, I would be in the "better safe than sorry!'" mindset.
ReplyDeleteI am very surprised that number of people choosing to not be vaccinated for measles is INCREASING! We studied in every unit so far how religion played a major role in people's choices over inoculation. However with the increase in scientific knowledge I would expect the public to be more informed and the numbers of those vaccinated to be ever increasing. I think a major controversy around vaccination is the never ending worry that it can cause developmental disabilities like Autism. Unfortunately people still believe this rumor surrounded by a false study. There are many articles but no scientific research supporting that vaccinations can lead to Autism. I agree with Stephanie that the benefits out way the risks and every parent should seriously consider vaccinating their children.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Liz, that we have the luxury of becoming immune so we should not take it for granted! We supposedly have eliminated the disease and yet there are still cases here and measles are on the ride again! In the first diagram in 2012 there have been over 50,000 cases of the measles and they have been rising since 1990. I understand that people do not want to get vaccinated for certain reasons, but I think they should because it would benefit not only them, but the community as well.
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting concept that much in the fashion similar to the smallpox epidemic that we studied, many people still protest vaccines due to personal and religious reasons. Although I am having a hard time thinking of what exactly those religious reasonings against recieving a measles vaccine would be, I imagine that they must be something along the lines of going against God's will. This is an important concept that has remained constant throughout the history of epidemiology; the idea that while cures can be found through innovation, many people find ways of resisting these scientific changes. Although I am slightly surprised that this opposition still occurs, I do believe that this concept may be common to human nature, and will never fully be erased as years pass and other epidemics arise.
ReplyDeleteI can see the fear that parents have with possibly putting their children at risk to get serious diseases like Autism. Trying to make an informed decision about vaccinations is sometimes difficult when combined with strong religious beliefs and junk science. Ultimately its important to look at the risk of the actual disease the vaccination prevents. Measles are highly contagious so its almost reckless parenting to not get your child vaccinated. I agree with Liz it has a strong connection to the smallpox epidemic and how easy it is for paranoid people to come up with strange solutions to diseases that already have an existing cure.
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