Measles cases are at a 25 year high in Europe, while North America and Afghanistan are also dealing with major outbreaks and children dying from the preventable disease. Over 127 000 cases were reported across the World Health Organization (WHO) European region last year, the highest number since 1997 (216 000), according to a joint analysis by Unicef and WHO. Measles cases reached a low of 4440 in 2016 but have been on the rise since.1 More than half of measles cases reported required hospital admission, and a total of 38 deaths have been recorded. Children aged under 5 accounted for more than 40% of all cases. Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, said, “Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call. Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security. Every country must step up efforts to reach under-vaccinated communities. The measles virus …
  • MoonlightFox@lemmy.world
    17·
    4 hours ago

    Checked if I got the vaccine when I was a child, yesterday. I have it.

    Get your vaccines if you can folks, not everyone can get it. Herd immunity is important for those who can’t or have parents that are stupid (sorry) enough not to let their child get it.

    • Jo Miran@lemmy.ml
      241·
      5 hours ago

      The ruling class (billionaires and oligarchs) have weaponized people’s religion, fear and ignorance into a way to keep everyone corralled and subservient. This outbreak is an unintended side effect of the manipulation.

      • moody@lemmings.world
        6·
        3 hours ago

        What do you mean “side effect?” The head of the health board is telling people not to get vaccinated, and to take vitamins instead. This isn’t a side effect, it’s entirely intentional.

        • SendPrudes@lemm.eeEnglish
          4·
          3 hours ago

          Well the problem is the side effects are also in power now too. And so are easily manipulated by the rich but also really fucking stupid.