Measles Outbreak in 2019: How Did This Happen?
Measles Outbreak in 2019 – How Did This Happen?
It seems 2019 has been filled with a lot of “first” moments. Unfortunately, one of those moments includes the resurgence of measles. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been more than 800 reported cases of the disease in 23 states. Considering that almost everyone should’ve been vaccinated for the disease, it certainly begs the question – how did this happen?
1. Anti-Vaccination
The most likely reason that measles has made a comeback is because of the rise of the anti-vaccination movement. The combination of fake news, alternative medicine, and distrust in science have led to more and more people refusing to vaccinate themselves or their children. This means that even if most people are vaccinated, the few that are not can spread the disease like wildfire.
2. International Travel
Another factor in the measles maamoth is the increase of international travel and immigration. Measles continue to be a major problem in other parts of the world – including parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe – and when unvaccinated travelers enter the country they can bring the disease with them.
3. Disinformation
The last factor is what’s called disinformation. This includes any kind of fake news that is spread online, including the dissemination of false studies, written by people who don’t understand the science behind vaccinations. This has led to the pushing of bogus theories about how vaccinations can cause autism, brain damage, and even death – when the truth is that they can help to prevent all of these things.
4. The Solution?
The only way to stop the spread of measles is to get people to start vaccinating again. This can include rigorous education campaigns, strict requirements for parents to get their children vaccinated, and making sure that everyone entering the country is immunized before they enter.
It’s unfortunate that measles has made a comeback, but hopefully with the right information and the right tools we can get rid of it once and for all.