Encounter

I checked the news today and I saw one of the trending headlines was Measles. From it I learned that according a recent statement from the Word Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control that there has been a 20% increase in cases of measles around the world, resulting in around 107,500 deaths. Apparently, it has a major impact on younger individuals.

I think this is unfortunate considering that like polio and some other conditions, measles sounds like something from the past.-- especially in the United States.

In the U.S., this year there have been 7,666 reported cases of measles since November 7th. However, this is not my first time hearing of it making a comeback, as at my doctor's office, I remember seeing some signs warning people to take precautions to avoid measles spread.

In half a century, 82 countries were able to eradicate the disease but its spread has been brought on by various factors. These include the lack of having the ability to receive vaccines, but also because people have grown to have fears of vaccines brought on by problematic education.

Something I remember us discussing early on in class is the notion of herd immunity, and apparently with measles this particular true as "95% of the community needs to be fully vaccinated,' so that those who aren't able to be vaccinated are somewhat safe.

I wonder what this will look like in a year's time, due to the incoming's administration's stance on vaccination.