Most people are aware that we are seeing the most measles cases in the United States (over 150) this year since 1996.
One thing that is surprising is that the high number of measles cases aren't due to a few large measles outbreaks, but more from a lot of small outbreaks all over the country. Even when the diagnosis of someone with measles is delayed for a few days, with multiple visits to a doctor or emergency room, health officials then do a good job of isolating the person, offering measles vaccinations, and identifying and quarantining all contacts who might spread the outbreak further.
There have been a few large outbreaks though. The measles outbreak in Minnesota of course stands out as the largest outbreak this year, with 20 cases that started with an unvaccinated child.
There is a new number two now. It was previously the outbreak in Utah, that was also started by an unvaccinated child, and led to measles infections in nine people. The outbreak in northwest Indiana, which is up to 13 cases, is now the new number two.
First announced about 10 days ago, with a report of five unvaccinated children and adults having measles in Noble County, there is now a report from the Indiana State Health Department that seven more people in Noble County have measles. Additionally, there is a case of measles in nearby LaGrange County.
So at a time when we should just be talking about drowning, sunburn, and fireworks safety, Indiana State Health Commissioner Gregory Larkin, M.D. is warning residents that "Measles is highly contagious and complications from measles can be serious - even deadly. I strongly encourage residents of the northeastern counties to check their vaccination status with their physician so that this outbreak doesn't continue to spread."
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Measles Outbreaks
How can you call 20 cases an outbreak? This is more bullying tactics from the ignorant medical community who is being ruled by the drug makers. Ok, measles are “potentially deadly”, but so is riding in a car, going swimming, walking down the street, or even eating a cheeseburger. I have contracted most of the “deadly” diseases I was supposed to be protected from by vaccines. Guess what, I am not dead! Natural immunity is permanent, has no side effects and dose not require me having toxins and poisons injected into my children. I have 1 partially vaccinated child who suffered severe vaccine injury and 1 child who had had no vaccines and had never had any illness except for a 2 day cold. Start telling the truth about how potentially deadly the vaccines really are and let parents make an informed choice.
“How can you call 20 cases an outbreak?”
How many cases do you think should occur before we call it an outbreak?
According to the World Health Organization, “The term “outbreak” is generally used when the number of cases observed is greater that the number normally expected in the same geographic area for the same period of time. The definition of an “outbreak” will vary according to the phase of measles control. For instance, a single case may mark an outbreak in a country aiming at elimination.”
“Ok, measles are “potentially deadly”, but so is riding in a car, going swimming, walking down the street, or even eating a cheeseburger. ”
Right. And you likely wear a seat belt, have learned to swim or wear a life jacket, look for cars or cross at a crosswalk, and don’t eat your cheeseburger with raw ground beef.
When something has risks, you take steps to reduce those risks. Getting two doses of the MMR is the way to reduce your chances of getting measles.
This post, and newer ones that describe the current status of the measles outbreaks, don’t rely on any tactics to influence people’s decisions. They are facts that describe the current situation – there are a lot more measles cases this year and they are almost all in unvaccinated people. And measles can be serious – even deadly.
On the other hand, your comment uses several well known tactics that people use when they don’t have a good argument that can stand on its own, such as insulting and trying to discredit others (”ignorant medical community who is being ruled by the drug makers”) and using buzzwords to scare people (”toxins and poisons”).