By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Recently, a top official at the CDC, Dr. Ralph Abraham, sparked controversy with his assertion that the potential loss of the U.S.’s measles elimination status is merely the “cost of doing business” in a global economy. His comments came amidst a surge in measles cases, reaching levels unseen since 1991, and an increase in related child deaths. Public health experts have strongly criticized the remarks, emphasizing the preventability of measles through vaccination. With outbreaks across the nation and a majority of cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals, the situation raises significant concerns about the future of measles control in the U.S.
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CDC’s deputy director says measles outbreak is ‘cost of doing business’ in a global economy. This statement, when you really think about it, is a hard pill to swallow. It’s like saying, “Well, measles is back, but hey, that’s just the price we pay for being connected to the rest of the world.” The issue here is the context: measles, a disease that was essentially eradicated in North America for decades, is now making a comeback. That’s a concerning trend.
Now, the knee-jerk reaction is understandable. We’ve had a global economy for ages, and measles outbreaks weren’t a regular thing. So what’s changed? The comments strongly suggest a shift in attitude, and more specifically, a shift in policy, or a lack thereof. The lack of vaccination is a central theme of this issue. It highlights the availability of a simple, cheap, and effective way to prevent measles from spreading. It’s like having a fire extinguisher and choosing not to use it because… reasons.
Think about it. We’re talking about a preventable disease. Measles isn’t like a new, mysterious illness. We have a solution. We know how to stop it. And yet, here we are, hearing that outbreaks are just the cost of doing business. It’s a phrase that often gets used to justify the acceptance of something negative as unavoidable.
The comments also bring up the irony of the situation. Some are highlighting the apparent disconnect between the pro-life stance of certain groups and their reluctance to embrace vaccines. It’s like, “We care about the potential life, but we’re okay with this disease, which does a lot of harm.” It’s also important to note that the cost isn’t just about treating those infected. It involves the indirect cost of having the health insurance companies pass those costs on to those who do follow science.
We need to consider the broader implications. It’s not just about a few measles cases; it’s about a more profound issue. It raises questions about how we value public health, how we prioritize the well-being of our children, and the role of leadership in a society. It suggests that if children’s lives are lost, the leaders are seemingly ok with it.
The comments also reflect the frustration many people feel when they feel they’re being gaslighted. They get frustrated when people act like something bad is inevitable when it’s not. It’s like saying, “We have no choice, this is just how it is,” when there are clear, effective alternatives.
And let’s not forget the role of misinformation and conspiracy theories. The comments touch on the spread of anti-vaccine sentiment, which has been amplified by certain political groups. This sentiment, often fueled by fear and distrust, has contributed to lower vaccination rates, leading to these outbreaks.
This statement sounds like it is more about a natural selection argument. Measles can be dangerous, it’s not to be taken lightly. It’s not just a childhood illness, and it leaves its victims vulnerable. Some parents are treating it like chickenpox, unaware of its damaging effects.
The implication from the comments is that maybe there should be more of an effort to find ways to fight and prevent the spread of a deadly disease. Acknowledging that outbreaks are an expected part of globalization and dismissing it seems like a cop-out. It’s like saying, “We’re going to keep our borders open, and that means we accept the disease.”
The fact that other countries don’t have this problem makes the situation even more perplexing and frustrating. If other global economic countries can solve the measles outbreak, why can’t this one?
When public health officials start framing measles outbreaks as the “cost of doing business,” we should be asking ourselves a lot of questions. We should expect those who are in a position of power and authority to protect the public. The real cost is in the loss of lives, the potential health complications, and the erosion of public trust in the institutions that are supposed to protect us.