Editorial: Measles outbreak points to the importance of vaccination

Measles was declared eradicated but now it’s back in Queensland, and parents need to be warned to make sure their children are vaccinated, writes THE EDITOR

THE World Health Organisation proclaimed 19 years ago, at the turn of the century, that the highly infectious disease measles had been eradicated.

This viral disease can cause a range of afflictions, from a rash, diarrhoea, ear infections and pneumonia to much more serious complications such as seizures, blindness and inflammation of the brain.

A rash is the one of the milder symptoms of measles.

As can happen when victory is declared over a disease, recurrences blight society. Measles is not yet found frequently enough to say we have a pandemic on our hands, but the signs are concerning.

Just two years ago, the WHO reported 117,000 deaths from measles around the globe, with most of those fatalities among children under five.

In Europe, the spread is regarded so seriously that the word “plague” is being used.

The US has recorded 465 cases in the first three months of this year – more than half the number of cases in all of 2014, which set the record for individuals afflicted since the disease had been “eradicated”.

Queensland has not escaped.

Already this year there have been 12 confirmed cases diagnosed and treated around Brisbane and in Townsville.

State health authorities are worried and have issued alerts, telling people they could show signs of the disease about 10 days after having come into contact with the virus.

Anyone showing any signs or symptoms is urged to report as soon as possible to their regular doctor or any other medical practitioner.

Two years ago, the World Health Organisation reported 117,000 deaths from measles around the globe, most of them children under five.

In a crucial addendum, Queensland Health has this warning for anyone born after 1965 who might have been in areas where instances of measles were detected: If you haven’t been vaccinated against measles – that is, with two doses of MMR – you need to contact your GP as soon as possible.

It is important to have as many people as possible vaccinated because if the percentage of vaccination is high enough, it is difficult for infectious diseases to spread because of the lower potential infection rates.

One reason the fight against measles was so successful was the higher vaccination rates which meant fewer people were being infected and, over time, the disease disappeared.

Unfortunately, the anti-vaxxer movement is hampering this – the misguided and often purposefully ignorant people who believe in conspiracies about vaccination and subscribe to crank “science”, which says there are greater risks of other diseases if you vaccinate.

For instance, many anti-vaxxers believe vaccination against measles can cause autism and other brain diseases, despite there being no evidence to support such as notion.

There is no scientific evidence to support the claims of anti-vaxxers.

The results of these misconceived beliefs, often propagated through seemingly friendly “mummy” blogs online, are death, suffering and distress.

Other powerful voices also promote the anti-vax cause. For example, Donald Trump tweeted in support five years ago.

It is not just the measles virus that has been given dangerous new strength because of the delusions of the anti-vaxxers.

Globally, more than 1.4 million children under five die because they do not have access to vaccines, often because of the anti-vaxxer movement.

Parents need to be warned to be aware – and make sure their children are vaccinated.

It is a matter of life and death.

GoT bigger than television

EVERYONE loves a sweeping, grand drama, told with plenty of intrigue, romance, battles-to-the-death and sprinklings of at least sexual tension.

Whether it’s the fabulous plays of Shakespeare, the more prosaic tales of homespun serials such as Home and Away or the intensity of the current favourite saga Game of Thrones, the fictional stories that infuse our daily conversations at the cafe, in the crib room or around the water-cooler are a part of life.

The Game of Thrones cast attends the season 8 screening in Belfast last week. Picture: Charles McQuillan/Getty

Today the eighth and final season of this mega-blockbuster television show starts around the globe. It’s tipped to be one of the most watched programs of all time.

Many people will have spent the weekend recapping on the twists and turns of the first seven seasons, described universally as being soaked in sex, violence and political intrigue, with a cast that’s too big to keep track of without a character guide.

Based on George R.R. Martin’s best-selling Songs of Fire and Ice fantasy novels, which follow the wars between the seven kingdoms of Westeros, Game of Thrones has been dubbed the smartest TV show of all time.

It has captured tens of millions around the world, demonstrating once again the size and scope of change in popular entertainment – and the medium we once narrowly referred to as just television.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Sam Weir, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details are available at couriermail.com.au