Samoa Under Lockdown
- December 2nd, 2019
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Measles has been making headlines in many nations recently and now Samoa has gone into a lockdown, restricting travel and closing schools because of a massive measles outbreak. Only 31% of the population were vaccinated against measles when the virus came to the island and now there is a huge push to vaccinate. Nearby New Zealand is sending assistance. In just two weeks the death count has reached 53 people. This is an extreme case of a population under-prepared for a deadly outbreak. Fortunately the U.S. has better vaccination coverage at the moment, but we have seen an alarming number of people turning against vaccinations in recent years and small outbreaks in the United States. It is believed that this outbreak in Samoa is because of a rugby team from New Zealand who brought the disease. All it takes is one person. The United States needs to institute mandatory vaccinations, or at the very least better educate the population about the safety and necessity of vaccines.
https://www.physiciansweekly.com/samoa-in-christmas-lockdown/
Molly
Science and medicine have a clear track record of failures and success. Measles vaccinations are a clear success. Those who fail to recognize this are as doomed as those who believe that seatbelts are unnecessary. Whether it be a religious objection, belief in controversial autism scares, or an aversion to needles, we can’t save everyone, so save yourself, the ones you love, and the ones who want to be saved. Vaccinations that prevent the outbreak of any plague upon the planet should be freely given to those who ask. Jim
I agree with your statement that the United States needs to institute mandatory vaccinations, or at the very least better educate the population about the safety and necessity of vaccines. Is the U.S. currently assisting at all in this crisis, sending any type of aide as New Zealand is? Is international intervention necessary to curb this outbreak?
-Eva W.
Should the UN help aid in this matter? In addition to the United States taking action, why are regional actors not stepping to the plate to help out with this breakout?