Measles Outbreak Alert: What Immigrants Need to Know

Mar 9

Two people have sadly died due to a measles outbreak in West Texas and New Mexico. Health experts are worried because misinformation about measles and its treatment is spreading fast. Here’s everything you need to know in simple terms.

Measles Outbreak: What's Happening?

Recently, two deaths from measles were confirmed:

An unvaccinated adult from New Mexico.

A school-age child from Gaines County, Texas.

Doctors are worried because measles spreads quickly, and many people still aren't vaccinated.

What is Measles?

Measles is a virus that spreads easily from person to person through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. It can cause fever, rash, cough, and even severe health problems or death.

Fun fact: Measles is one of the most contagious diseases ever known—more contagious than the common cold!

History and Effectiveness of the Vaccine

The measles vaccine has been available for more than 50 years and has saved millions of lives worldwide. Before the vaccine, measles caused millions of deaths globally every year. Thanks to widespread vaccination, measles was nearly eliminated in many countries, including the United States.

However, misinformation and fears about vaccine safety have grown in recent years. Some people became worried after incorrect information spread on social media and other places, suggesting vaccines could cause harm. This misinformation caused many parents to avoid vaccinating their children, leading to outbreaks like the one we see now.

What About Vitamin A?

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. mentioned using vitamin A, good nutrition, and cod liver oil as treatments. But doctors warn:

Vitamin A helps reduce severe illness in people who already have measles but does NOT prevent measles.

Cod liver oil is high in vitamin A, but too much can be dangerous and cause liver damage.

Doctors strongly advise that vitamins should not replace getting vaccinated.

Why Recent Changes Matter

Many people recently became skeptical about vaccines because of misinformation online and influential leaders questioning their safety.

Recent appointments by President Trump have raised concerns about qualifications and potential impacts on public health and safety. Notably:

FBI Director: Kash Patel, a former aide with limited law enforcement experience, was appointed as FBI Director. His nomination faced criticism from former officials who feared it could compromise the FBI's integrity.

Attorney General: Pam Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General and Trump loyalist, was appointed as the U.S. Attorney General. During her confirmation hearings, questions arose regarding her independence and potential bias.

Deputy FBI Director: Dan Bongino, a right-wing podcaster without prior FBI experience, was appointed as Deputy Director of the FBI. This move shocked many within the agency, raising concerns about politicization and lack of operational expertise.

These appointments highlight the importance of having qualified professionals in critical public health and safety roles, especially during health crises like the current measles outbreak.

Another concerning example is Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is skeptical of vaccines and is now in charge of the country's response to vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles. Kennedy’s suggestion to treat measles primarily with vitamin A and nutrition rather than strongly encouraging vaccination is troubling. This clearly shows why having qualified and experienced professionals in charge of critical public health and safety decisions matters, especially now as America faces multiple health concerns like the current measles outbreak and the ongoing bird flu crisis.

Advice for Immigrant Parents

Many immigrant parents have experienced firsthand the benefits of vaccines. In many home countries, vaccination helped eliminate diseases that were once common. Remember the good health your family enjoyed because of vaccines, and trust the advice from your doctor. Doctors want the best for your children and can answer any questions you might have about vaccination.

Why is Vaccination Important?

Vaccination is the best and safest way to protect yourself and your family from measles. When more people are vaccinated, fewer people get sick.

Fun fact: One vaccinated person helps protect up to 18 other people from getting measles!

Misinformation is Dangerous

Doctors worry that misinformation about treatments like vitamins and cod liver oil can distract people from getting vaccinated. It's important not to believe everything you read online and always check with a doctor for health advice.

What Should You Do?

Make sure you and your family members are vaccinated against measles.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about measles or vaccinations.

Avoid using vitamins as a substitute for vaccination.

Remember, vaccination is safe and effective. Stay informed and stay healthy!

Yasin Amba

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https://today.ucsd.edu/story/newsweek_again_names_the_preuss_school_ucsd_the_nations_top_transformative

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