Infectious diseases, which in years past, we thought, with good reason, were under control are now emerging and emerging with a vengeance.
The one that has gotten the most media attention is Measles. The attention is justified. For years this country was identified by the World Health Organization as being free of Measles. The only reported cases were those that were brought in by travelers from other countries.
That has all changed. A few months ago a small outbreak occurred in Texas in a religious community that opposed immunization. Measles is among the most contagious of all viruses and that small outbreak has expanded to more than 1000 cases in more than 30 states. That number is probably an undercount as not all cases get reported. To make things even worse the outbreak has resulted in deaths in infected children. Even for those who survive a substantial number require hospitalization and some have long term neurologic disability.
So far there are no Measles cases reported in SD. There are cases in ND. With the spread we are seeing it seems only a matter of time until we see cases here.
Another disease which has gotten much less attention but which carries major danger is Pertussis, better known as whooping cough. There has been a dramatic rise in Pertussis in SD over the past year – more than a 1000% increase. Tragically, a child in SD died of pertussis earlier this year.
The great tragedy in all of this is that for both Measles and Pertussis there are effective and safe vaccines available. The deaths that have occurred are completely preventable. The vaccines are not new, have been available for many years and have a strong track record for both effectiveness and safety.
The problem is that utilization of these vaccines has declined. As the number of unvaccinated and therefore unprotected children has increased so has the spread of these infections and the dangerous complications they bring.
The science and the experience supporting these vaccines is solid. Unfortunately, vast amounts of misinformation have spread online. All too often that has left folks not knowing what to believe.
I would urge folks to follow the recommendations of public health authorities such as the S D Dept of Health. These folks know the science, have no commercial interest in selling vaccines and are devoted to protecting the health of the communities they serve.
Let’s work to make Measles and Pertussis the rare events that they used to be.