Measles’ Most Deceptive Trait
Measles’ Most Deceptive Trait
This article discusses how the initially mild nature of measles cases has deceptively obscured its potential for severe outcomes, leading to a decline in vaccination rates and a resurgence of outbreaks in the U.S. It highlights the concept of "immune amnesia" caused by measles, the high transmissibility of the virus, and the significant public health and economic costs associated with these outbreaks. The piece argues that the very success of measles vaccination has inadvertently reduced the perceived urgency to maintain high immunization levels, posing a threat to the country's measles elimination status.
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i once read a quote about measles being known as the disease that spreads across the street (due to its incredible R0).
i feel lucky to have benefitted from the decisions by many before me to eradicate the disease. vacinnations don't come for free. it's a tradeoff with a massive upside but the tradeoff is still non-zero. thus it is still a very real ask of all individuals.
immune amnesia (and also democracy amnesia) are challenging concepts to have to deal with. must we constantly relearn the past by experience only?
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