By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Measles outbreaks in South Carolina and Minnesota have led to significant quarantines and remote learning for unvaccinated children. In South Carolina, 153 students are under quarantine, while in Minnesota, 118 students face similar restrictions due to exposure to the highly contagious virus. Health officials have indicated active, unrecognized community transmission is occurring, highlighting the need for preventative measures to mitigate further spread. Vaccination rates below 95% in impacted areas are cited as a contributing factor in these outbreaks.
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Hundreds of US students quarantined amid measles outbreaks, and it’s a truly disheartening situation to witness unfold. It’s almost unbelievable that in this day and age, with all the medical advancements we’ve made, we’re seeing a resurgence of a disease that was once declared eliminated in the US. It’s especially frustrating knowing that we have a safe and effective way to prevent it.
Measles, a highly contagious virus, thrives in populations where vaccination rates are low. That’s where we are today, and it has allowed measles to make a comeback. The unfortunate reality is that unvaccinated children who’ve been exposed to the virus are being kept out of school for an extended period. The quarantine period can be lengthy, sometimes up to three weeks, as that’s the timeframe within which symptoms of the disease can appear.
The consequences of this situation are far-reaching. Not only are these students missing out on valuable education and social interaction, but their families are also facing disruption. It’s a clear illustration of how decisions about public health can have a ripple effect throughout communities. It really makes you wonder why vaccination rates aren’t higher, and it is critical that we have herd immunity.
The measles virus has a crazy high R0, which tells us how infectious it is, and it is very infectious. The MMR vaccine, which is highly effective, typically requires two doses to provide the best protection. In fact, the effectiveness of a single dose is already quite high. But even with this level of effectiveness, outbreaks still occur when vaccination rates fall below a critical threshold. The numbers vary widely depending on location, with some states and counties demonstrating significantly lower compliance rates.
We’re left to wonder how we got here. Well, it appears that the deliberate choices of some are contributing to this problem. The fact that this is occurring in pockets is telling. If we only had something that could help protect people from the infection or from falling seriously ill when they get infected. The very thought of returning to times before vaccinations is a chilling one, where even the idea of it is something that keeps you up at night.
It’s worth noting that those who are older, like those in the GenX generation and earlier, may need to consider getting a booster shot. The effectiveness of the childhood vaccines can wane over time. The medical professionals test for antibodies to determine if you need one.
It is important to know the facts and that those who preach against the vaccines are also vaccinated. It’s important to focus on the science.
The reality is that herd immunity is essential. The idea that we could see the return of diseases that we had thought were defeated is genuinely concerning, especially given that we have the tools to prevent it. And yet, here we are.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that there are some who are not only dismissive of vaccines, but they also seem to think that they are the cause of other health issues. This is a real shame, and it is important to listen to the science.
It’s no secret that this is happening at the same time that there are mass firings at the CDC. It is not a secret that it is politically motivated, and that it is very concerning. The CDC is an organization that is designed to help fight off these diseases, and now the leaders of these initiatives are being fired. It’s almost hard to fathom.
It is clear that one person walking through a room of 100 people can infect up to 95 of them. That’s how easily this virus spreads. This highlights just how important it is to protect those who are vulnerable, like the very young and those with weakened immune systems.
Ultimately, the consequences of these outbreaks fall on the shoulders of the most vulnerable. It is the children and the families who are suffering from a preventable disease.