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EDITORIAL: Measles numbers show illness on the rise

The Courier - 4/5/2019

April 05-- Apr. 5--Without any scientific evidence, we can't say for certain that a lack of immunization has led directly to an increase in the number of measles cases.

But we can say that the higher numbers this year add a powerful reason to the already-compelling case in favor of immunization.

Consider the numbers: In all of last year, there were 372 cases of measles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This year, through just three months, there have already been 387 reported cases.

Another number that plays into this debate is 97. The CDC estimates that the measles vaccine is 97 percent effective and that the vast majority of people who contract the measles have not been vaccinated.

That is a powerful reason for adults to have their children vaccinated. Most adults were vaccinated as children, which is why the illness was so uncommon for so many decades.

As people have begun to mistrust vaccines, though, measles, along with a host of other illnesses and diseases, have made an ugly reappearance -- something no one who favors public health can tolerate.

Measles don't often pose a risk to life, but they can be a particular danger to people who have other health problems that leave them more vulnerable. Vaccines, though, help protect all of us. By keeping a person with a strong immune system from contracting or carrying the measles, they can keep the vulnerable from being exposed.

But the reverse is also true. When fewer of us are vaccinated, we are all less protected. And that means that the illness can make a resurgence even when the majority of us have had our shots.

The numbers tell a frightening tale, but it's one that we can change. If we just take the simple, inexpensive steps all but a tiny portion of us should, we can reverse this trend and make the measles just as uncommon as they once were and should be again.

Unless vaccines violate one's religious beliefs or one is in the miniscule fraction of people for whom vaccines pose a medical risk, the majority of us are well-served by being vaccinated and ensuring the same for our children.

The measles make the ill miserable, and they can pose an even graver risk. Vaccines, on the other hand, can remove that risk. Let's reverse this dangerous trend.

Editorials represent the opinion of the newspaper, not of any individual.

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(c)2019 The Houma Courier, La.

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