The CDC
reported
a couple of days ago, that 90% of the US' 2011 record 222 measles cases
were associated with imports from other countries, nearly 90% of
patients were unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status; and of
those eligible to have received the vaccine, a whopping 76% had a
non-medical exemption. These numbers stress the significant risk of
vaccine refusal. Measles imports into the United States come at substantial medical risk and
cost, about $10000 per measles case and over $700 in income loss and other costs per quarantined family. Recent
outbreaks in California, Utah, Minnesota and Arizona have cost the health system/hospitals between $130000 and $800000 to contain.
Less than a year ago, an unvaccinated infant, returning from India,
exposed
passengers of American Airlines flight AA3965 from Chigaco to Des
Moines to measles. As a consequence of this measles import, 100 persons
had to be contacted about their exposure, 25 had to be
quarantined.
American Airlines seem to have a very short memory. Apparently, they are
planning to feature the notorious Australian
anti-vaccine campaigner Meryl Dorey of
The Australian Vaccination Network (AVN), via it's in-flight "Executive
Report" media and "American Way" magazine, from July to August 2012. The
interview (
transcript) is clearly intended to discourage parents from vaccinating, which we know will lead to resurgence of deadly diseases, like measles and
pertussis. I am not sure that disease is what American Airlines means to "
give back to our communities".
You don't think deadly disease should be encouraged by advertising? There is a
petition - sign it!
ETA (24/04/2012): see
fab update!
