Measles Outbreak in America - Research Paper Example

Measles Outbreak in America The incredible steps mankind has taken in terms of disease eradication and treatment is something that often leaves countless people in awe. It is, therefore, unfortunate to hear of the recent cases of measles in the United States, where a high number of cases were recorded in 2014. Measles, a disease which many thought had been completely eradicated, is now making its way to the top of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) charts. Different cases in different states are being identified with a high number of these cases indicating that there was no vaccination among those affected. It is not clear why individuals would choose not to be vaccinated against such diseases, but it is clear that all those opposed to such measures are being exposed to higher risks than all those immunized. This paper will look into the issue of vaccination against measles, and why it is vital to ensure everyone is protected against an outbreak such as the one being experienced in the U.S. The spread of measles in any region can be restrained with proper measures that offer individuals protection against the given strain. Such measures include vaccination, which is the proper way of dealing with a disease such as measles. It is my opinion that for progress to be made, certain elements must be addressed. I believe vaccination of the American public is the way to go about dealing with certain disease elements. Sadly, the ‘controversy’ surrounding the vaccination of the American public has resulted in a large number of individuals foregoing the vaccination process. The presence and existence of anti-vaccine movements may be responsible for an increasing number of unvaccinated individuals, making it harder for health agencies to conduct a successful vaccination exercise to the American public. Reasons for Vaccination It is difficult to comprehend why any person would want to halt or slow such progress, but maybe it is due to the misinformation of such individuals that forces people to ignore the effects of non-compliance. For starters, there is no definite treatment for measles. The only things that can be treated are the symptoms that are brought on by measles. During the post-eradication phase of measles, the highest number recorded for measles cases was as low as 37. This is according to the CDC, which was responsible for vaccinating the American public against the spread of the disease. Even the cases that were present had originated from outside the country. Since then, America is now recording its highest number of cases, which was estimated at over 600 cases at the end of the year 2014. In January 2015, over 100 cases were reported. In terms of vaccination, one dose of the MMR vaccine can last an individual a lifetime. It is meant to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. The use of this vaccine has increased the reduction rate of measles cases by 99%. For a highly contagious disease, this is an incredible number, meaning the eradication of this disease is possible. The aim of vaccination is to elicit certain responses in the immune system, which are often similar to when one is infected with the measles pathogen. In response, the immune system produces antibodies that fight against the disease, which means the individual vaccinated does not build up any severe symptoms. Vaccination of the larger population can ultimately halt the spread of the disease through stopping transmission of the disease, and protecting immunized individuals. The lethal nature of the disease should be reason enough for individuals to run toward the vaccine. If mortality does not occur, chances of being permanently brain damaged are high. This is what different studies indicate. The triple vaccination should be considered a bonus, because the accompanying illness; mumps and rubella, are not to be ignored either. Rubella, especially among pregnant women, can cause the child to have mental and physical deficiencies. Mumps, among the male population, can cause sterility and meningitis. The phases of the diseases’ fatality varies as individuals, especially children grow and develop. For instance; the mortality rates when a child is in his/her infant years are high as compared to childhood years. For children, the odds of experiencing severe side-effects from vaccination are isolated. This should not be reason to forego the entire vaccination process. Parents wish to keep their children safe. In order to do so, they subject their children to single doses, which are designed to give the child protection against the three diseases separately. This is usually done in a span of 12 months. Doctors and experts indicate that this is no different than the previous vaccination scheme. However, they agree that the only difference is that this may be exposing the children to more danger. Contrary to what most people in America believe, measles is a deadly disease. The only issue is that it has been absent for the better part of the last decade, hence; the mentality that the disease is harmless. Furthermore, people believe that the United States is well-equipped to handle and deal with people who are affected by the disease. As seen earlier, the disease does not have any treatment. Only the symptoms that exist can be alleviated through antiviral drugs and medication, for example; high fevers. The myths and misconceptions present are presenting various challenges to the health services and organizations that are trying to control the spread of this disease. It may be hard to convince individuals to try the vaccine when there is a belief that they are better off being exposed to the disease than the vaccine, so as to be immunized naturally. It is this lack of proper information or presence of misguided notions that is slowly, but steadily increasing the number of persons affected by measles. Vaccination offers individuals an avenue to be protected without the necessary dangers that might come with exposure to the disease itself. It is vital to educate people as this might give the larger population a fighting chance against such diseases. Reasons against Vaccination It would be injudicious to talk of reasons for immunization or vaccination without listing some of the reasons given against it. It would also be ill-advised to ignore what most experts against the subject of vaccination believe. Most of the anti-vaccine movements in America are of the idea that the measles vaccine only works haphazardly, and it may not be necessary as the health sector makes it out to be. For the well-nourished children, some experts believe that such diseases may not be entirely critical. Some of the complications brought on by measles can be attributed to a deficiency in Vitamin A, which supplements can protect against or deal with when worst comes to worst. Also, the fact that viruses mutate may make some of their arguments seem logical. When an individual is vaccinated against one virus strain, the presence of another strain leaves the immunized person as unprotected as the unvaccinated one. To most of them, this beats logic. Furthermore, reasons against going for vaccination is the greatest fear that what is aimed at helping their children, is the one thing that may end up destroying them. Side-effects among the vaccinated children that range from; arthritis, paralysis, to autism have been reported among parents who insist that their children developed them after receiving the MMR vaccine. In London, researchers at the Royal Free Hospital have even linked the MMR vaccine to the bowel disorder Crohn’s disease, and an increase in autism cases has forced health experts in the region to demand an investigation into a possible link between the vaccine and the claims presented. Arguments over the period in which the vaccine lasts have also been cause for disagreements between the proponents and opponents of the vaccination calls. Proponents of the vaccination process claim that a dose of the MMR vaccine can last an individual his/her entire lifetime. Second doses are only offered to individuals who might not have responded to the first dose, and hence; are offered more protection with an increase in antibodies produced in the immune system. Opponents argue that this is not possible as the said protection may wear off at some point in the individual’s life. It does not make any sense for them to be vaccinated only to be infected at some point in their life, especially when the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Factors that lead to the differences of opinion The search for information and knowledge on what is best suited for such scenarios is what often sets people apart. As a proponent of the vaccination or immunization process, it is my belief that the presence of information on the benefits of immunization makes it possible to make vital and life-altering decisions. As a highly communicable disease, it is crucial for individuals to get proper information on the spread and contamination of such a virus. Controversy only comes about when the anti-vaccination movements get larger and reverse the progress that has been made over the last decade. It is vital for people to ask themselves why there is an increase in the number of people affected, and why they are mostly unvaccinated. This can provide insight into the manner in which misinformation can lead to the downfall of a society, especially one that holds its rights and freedoms in high regard. This current controversy has become an issue of the vaccine present in the United States not being used, as opposed to it not working. Whenever people refuse or decline to use the vaccine, it is a matter of choice. People in the same community or society decide that it is their right to deny such treatment options, but whenever the disease strikes, it becomes harder to control it in such environments. Well-meaning people, who choose to go the other way, have the ability to sway the minds of parents and individuals who might not be aware that vaccination is the only way to protect their children from measles. Personal and/or religious reasons behind non-compliance often play a herculean role in the unvaccinated public, and this may be the reason why fighting this problem may be harder, especially if the cases go on as they currently are. Recommendations Education of the masses would be the most important aspect at this point. In order for there to be a complete eradication of the disease, there needs to be one voice in advocating for the use of the vaccine. This can only be possible if the larger population is made to understand the importance of the vaccine, and its benefits. The negative perceptions can only be eliminated through different discussion forums that provide information about the vaccine, and disqualifies all the notions that might exist. Researchers and health care specialists are faced with the task of educating everyone, so as to reduce the chances of this disease becoming endemic, in the long run. Furthermore, it is important for all those against the vaccine to evaluate some of their options. They cannot be forced to be immunized or vaccinated against their wishes, but they should realize they are posing a threat to the greater population. This population includes children who have no say as to what they would prefer, but may be forced to endure some of the complications brought on by measles. However, the health sector should also be prepared to deal with some of the cases that do arise. In doing so, they might be in a position to reassure the American public on their will to eliminate the current threat, and restore balance to the health status of the U.S. Conclusion Measles is a disease that may have been neutralized almost 15 years ago. However, it is beckoning at the door of many households in America for the simple reason that people assumed its non-existence. Vaccination against the disease may have gone down, thus; leading to the rise in cases of affected persons. As a highly communicable disease, measles is capable of affecting a rather high number of individuals if not properly monitored. This means that if one community is not protected against the disease, it may be impossible to control its spread. As seen earlier, it is a disease that does not have any treatment. The facilities present are only capable of mitigating the symptoms brought on by the disease. It is, therefore; every individual’s prerogative to ensure they are safe, which ultimately ensures the safety of all American citizens. Works Cited Castillo, Mariano. “Measles Outbreak: How Bad Is It?” CNN 3 Feb. 2015. Print. Curtis, Nigel, Finn, Adam and Andrew J. Pollard. Hot Topics in Infection and Immunity in Children. New York: Macmillan Publishers, 2010. Print. Tulchinsky, Theodore H., and Elena, A. Varavikova. The New Public Health: An Introduction for the 21st Century. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014. Print. Bernstein, Lenny and Brady Dennis. “Measles Outbreak Spreads to Three More States and Washington DC; 121 People Now Affected.” The Washington Post 9 Feb. 2015. Print. Loehrke, Janet and Liz, Szabo. “The Measles Outbreak and Vaccine Controversy Visualized.” USA Today 5 Feb. 2015. Print. Turkewitz, Julie and Damien, Cave. “As Measles Cases Spread in U.S., So Does Anxiety.” The New York Times 30 Jan. 2015. Fie FieA global perspective of vaccination of healthcare personnel against measles: Systematic review Amy Parker Fiebelkorna, , ,  Jane F. Sewarda,  Walter A. Orensteinb Read More