Measles was once a disappearing disease, largely controlled by widespread childhood treatment with the triple MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. More recently, however, after a number of vaccination scare stories (for example, linking it to autism) the uptake of MMR has declined to a level where it no longer offers 'herd immunity' to unvaccinated folk. The result is a rocketing incidence of measles with around 41,000 cases (with almost 40 deaths) across the EU in the 6 months until June, 2018 (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/aug/20/low-mmr-uptake-blamed-for-surge-in-measles-cases-across-europe). The highest incidence was in the Ukraine with 23,000 cases. Worryingly, two countries also with high measles incidences (France and Italy) have political parties that advocate 'parental choice' for vaccination programmes (this sounds good but who pays for any resulting medical consequences?). England is not quite in the top 7 for measles incidence but, reportedly, the majority of 'our' cases were teenagers and young adults who missed out on MMR treatment when they were young. A chief MMR antagonist is now said to be US-based.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Tuesday 21 August 2018
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