Update: Measles Outbreak in America

Because of vaccine hesitancy caused by anti-vaccine disinformation, the measles outbreak in America continues to worsen, after the disease had been domestically eradicated by the 2000s. There have been nearly 1,100 cases, many hospitalizations and at least 2 deaths. Most cases were of children who were unvaccinated. There are now 30 States reporting cases, between the main outbreak that started in Texas and others. Measles, the most contagious virus, is not the deadliest disease, but can cause serious illness and death, and was the leading cause of deafness before a vaccine was developed. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of the measles vaccine. Because not everyone can be effectively vaccinated against contagious diseases because of immunity deficiencies, those who cannot are protected if a high percentage of others in the community are vaccinated. America, Europe and Central Asia have been suffering an increase in measles and other diseases that had nearly been locally eradicated because of vaccines. Far-left, far-right and libertarian ideologies oppose vaccination, or at least vaccine mandates, while Russia has deliberately spread anti-vaccine disinformation in the West in an effective biological warfare campaign. Christian and conservative beliefs in personal responsibility toward the community compel vaccination to protect the vulnerable.