Measles Outbreak Reaches 208 Cases as Federal Response Falters
The measles outbreak in West Texas and New Mexico has reached a staggering 208 cases, with Texas officials reporting 198 confirmed cases across nine counties as of Friday. This alarming number is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of vaccine hesitancy and the need for effective public health measures.
Measles Outbreak Reaches 208 Cases
The outbreak in West Texas has been particularly severe, with most of the cases being in children and teens. According to officials, 153 of the 198 cases were between the ages of 0 and 17, highlighting the vulnerability of this age group. Moreover, all but five cases are in people who are unvaccinated or have no vaccination record. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Texas officials have reported one death in an unvaccinated school-age child with no underlying health conditions.
New Mexico Reports Second Death
On Thursday, health officials in New Mexico reported a second death in a person with measles. This case was in an unvaccinated adult who did not seek medical care before dying. The cause of the person’s death is still under investigation by the state’s health department. While it is widely assumed that the New Mexico cases are linked to the Texas outbreak, no clear connection between confirmed cases has yet been identified.
CDC to Study Nonexistent Link Between Measles Vaccine and Autism
In a move that has raised eyebrows, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reportedly planning to conduct a large study on whether the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is linked to autism. This taxpayer-funded effort comes despite decades of research and numerous high-quality studies that have consistently disproven or found no connection between the vaccine and autism.
Measles Vaccine and Autism: A Rehashing of Debunked Science
The move by the CDC has been met with criticism from health experts, who argue that it will only serve to rehash debunked science. In Senate hearings, Democratic senators had warned that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine stance could hold back autism research aimed at finding the real cause(s) as well as better treatments.
Texas Officials Endorse Vaccination
In contrast to the equivocal and worrisome responses from the new US health secretary, Texas officials have been giving full-throated endorsements of vaccination amid the outbreak. "The best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine," the Texas health department said on its webpage about the disease.
Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: A Dubious Solution
Some parents have turned to vitamin A and cod liver oil as a solution to prevent or treat measles, despite warnings from doctors’ groups. While it is true that two vitamin A doses within 24 hours are recommended for children with measles, particularly those hospitalized, vitamin A does not in any way prevent measles.
Conclusion
The measles outbreak in West Texas and New Mexico serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of vaccine hesitancy and the need for effective public health measures. The move by the CDC to study the nonexistent link between the MMR vaccine and autism has been met with criticism from health experts, who argue that it will only serve to rehash debunked science. It is imperative that we prioritize vaccination efforts and provide accurate information about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
The Best Solution: Vaccination
The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine has been extensively tested and proven to be safe and effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. By getting vaccinated with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting the disease.
A Call to Action
It is essential that we take immediate action to address this outbreak and prevent further cases. This includes:
- Promoting vaccination efforts
- Providing accurate information about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines
- Encouraging parents to vaccinate their children
- Supporting public health measures such as contact tracing and isolation
By working together, we can mitigate the spread of measles and protect our communities from this devastating disease.