Fellow Netizens,
February seems to be a busy month for public health news (and unfortunately not the good kind). Recent reports highlight a current outbreak of measles currently affecting South Florida, which has now spread to other parts of the state. This is alarming, since measles is highly contagious and potentially deadly for vulnerable patients like infants and those who are immunocompromised.
This image of an infant shows one of the classic signs of measles: a rash that develops throughout the body.
Image: CDC/NIP/Barbara Rice, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The best protection against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. However, given the rise of vaccine hesitancy and anti-science sentiments throughout the country, there has been a lapse in vaccine rates that inevitably lead to these kinds of outbreaks. Even worse, Florida’s track record of curbing public health measures only weaken its responses; in fact, the State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo made a statement that contradicts national medical guidelines on sending unvaccinated children back to school in the event of a measles outbreak.
Let us remember, fellow netizens, that your health should not be an issue for debate. I urge you to spread the word; promote vaccinations and make topics like this part of your daily conversation with friends and loved ones. If you are hesitant about vaccines, I urge you to do diligent research (ex. research articles or medical journals, NOT social media or “a friend”) and talk to your medical provider about your concerns. Measles is not a disease you want to fool around with for you or your loved ones.
If you are concerned about measles and want to know more about it, please click here to visit the CDC’s website.
Featured Image: NIAID, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Disclaimer: This article reflects the author’s own opinions and statements. They do not reflect the opinions or stances of any organization affiliated with the author.
