The Center for Disease Control reports from Jan. 1 to Jan. 30, 102 citizens from 14 states were reported to have measles. According to the records of the CDC, this is considered to be an outbreak, occurring very early in the year 2015. In 2014, however, the number of patients reported to have measles as higher than it has been in the last 10 years at nearly 650 cases. The number of cases reported last month is already higher than the number of cases per year since 2001.
According to the CDC’s report, many cases are believed to be the result of exposure within an unnamed theme park in California. USA Today confirms the “amusement park in California,” as it is referenced to in the CDC’s report, is in fact Disneyland. While this is still under investigation, it is believable. Disneyland is a hotspot for visitors from all over the world. While some countries may not have access to the measles vaccination, we do. Disneyland and other widely visited attractions can take all the health precautions they can, but these procedures are not enough if we do not accept the vaccinations.
NBC News reported the vaccination debate is now a political matter. It is still a health matter. Many parents are allowed free choice as to whether or not their children receive the measles vaccination. Like the flu shot, many parents refuse to allow children to be vaccinated due to a recent concern that the vaccination is linked to mental problems in children. It is rumored that autism often is triggered by the measles vaccination. Several medical research studies have been performed, but all have failed to find a link between this vaccination and autism.
Due to a few cases out of thousands a year in which another physical disability is the result of a vaccination, our society has become increasingly paranoid about vaccinations, which have protected us for a long time. These vaccinations are responsible for the near extinction of smallpox, polio and, until recently, measles. Many of these illnesses resulted in death a century ago. Health professionals and the CDC recommend society to remember this and continue to encourage children to receive these vaccinations, despite recent widespread panic.
This recent mistrust of vaccinations is possibly responsible for the recent measles outbreak within the last two years. If a child does not receive both vaccinations for measles, he or she is much more likely to contract the disease should they visit a diverse place such as Disneyland. The park is hardly to blame as Disney is one of the most highly praised parks for its cleanliness. The park expects, however, that families know the risks of visiting. A busy theme park such as this can only do so much to protect against easily spread diseases such as measles.
It is our responsibility to weigh the pros and cons of vaccinations. In this case, there are many inputs but only a few possible outcomes. It is very important we keep in mind that, in most cases, the vaccination helps. To refuse these vaccinations is to raise your chances of exposure to these diseases. Despite the recent debate, it is important to keep the CDC’s advice and continue to take the vaccinations until reasonable cause for cessation of vaccinations is found.
