All of a sudden Disneyland became the itchiest place on Earth.
While influential figures and established foundations are taking progressive steps to cure cancer and HIV, 2015 started off with a surprising case of measles originating from Disneyland.
Measles was considered to be wiped out 15 years ago after the development of vaccines and a successful inoculation program.
The recent Disneyland epidemic should not have come as a surprise; some parents have decided not to get vaccines for their children.
“I feel that we are being too careless towards diseases not evident now, but epidemics in the past. Without a high vaccine percentage rate, diseases more dangerous than measles could reappear,” said sophomore Austin Covey.
Statistics from Time magazine show that California went from a 95 percent vaccination rate in 2012 to 92 percent today, but a small percentage can make a big difference.
“It’s unfortunate but also ironic because the “happiest place on Earth” shouldn’t be where measles exists. I’m glad I got vaccinated before the outbreak, and it should be a requirement for Carlmont Choir to get vaccinated because we take trips to Disneyland every year,” said sophomore Julia Talgo.
According to Time magazine, of the first 20 measles victims, 15 were not vaccinated. Since then, the virus originating from Disneyland has spread into California as well as four other states and Mexico.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through the air from coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms include sore throat, inflamed eyes, runny nose, fever, and the evident red, blotchy skin rash that covers the entire body.
Though there is no specific cure to the measles virus, treatments aim to ease symptoms until the body’s immune system clears the infection.
As much as it is contagious, measles is also very preventable with vaccination.
Despite this, some parents refuse to vaccinate kids for religious reasons or fear of side effects.
On top of this, much of the outbreak was blamed on the anti-vaccine movement, popularized by Jenny McCarthy and medical skeptics in fear of the potential dangers of side effects as well as a concern of it leading to autism.
According to an article by Time magazine, more parents are getting their kids vaccinated again due to this incident.
“If you don’t want to vaccinate your kids, it’s your choice, but I believe that this shouldn’t be because of certain rumors that have no scientific backing at all,” said sophomore Victor Iancu.
