We find ourselves at a bizarre crossroads in human civilization when diseases once thought permanently relegated to the dustbins of history have not only resurfaced but also even seriously reared their ugly heads.
Once declared eradicated by the Centers for Disease Control in the U.S. back in 2000, measles is back on the radar.
By now, just about everyone has undoubtedly heard about the headlines that a measles outbreak spread into Canada from the U.S., prompting concerned health-care professionals to remind people about the importance of vaccinating children as well as getting boosters for anyone uncertain about their own immunization status.
The CBC reported last Thursday that the 17th case of the completely preventable disease had been confirmed in Metro Vancouver, although health officials said there was no greater threat to the region’s schools.
Meanwhile, near the end of February, Alberta Health Services announced the Public Health Agency of Canada had advised that an individual with lab-confirmed measles had visited Leduc while infectious.
Unfortunately, no matter how many times fraudulent claims made back in the 1990s by a disgraced doctor alleging a link between the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism have been thoroughly debunked, unfounded fears remain deeply embedded in the minds of many people.
A lie truly does spread like a destructive wildfire around the world before the truth even has a chance to finish tying up its shoes.
Although the recent outbreaks have largely been stemmed following concerted efforts by health authorities, the fact that there has even been a resurgence at all should alone serve as a wake-up call.
One young man in the U.S., Ethan Lindenberger, made headlines after immediately starting to get caught up on his vaccinations upon turning 18, despite his own mother’s refusal.
Lindenberger testified before a U.S. Senate committee that social media echo chambers churning out misinformation foment doubt against medical professionals while preying on people like his mom, who he said acted not out of malice but rather out of love, erroneously believing she was protecting him when in reality she exposed her son to an even greater risk.
Make no mistake — the potential ramifications of contracting a preventable disease such as measles, which can potentially be fatal in some cases, are far greater than the infinitesimal risk of getting vaccinated.
Simon Ducatel is the Sundre Round Up editor.
