Measles outbreak: antivaxers to blame?
Andrew Wakefield has a lot to answer for. He published a research article in 1998 in which he claimed a link between the MMR vaccine for children and the appearance of autism. This kicked off an anti-vaccination campaign, the so-called Antivax Movement mainly in the US and UK. But thanks to high profile supporters of this movement – such as ex-Playboy model Jenny McCarthy and partner actor Jim Carrey (aided and abetted by Oprah Winfrey) – it has spread all around the world.
Except that Wakefield data was totally fraudulent. Thanks to Wakefield and his supporters, outbreaks of measles have occurred wherever this movement has gained some traction. Not to mention large increases of mumps and rubella cases. And, not surprisingly, so have the deaths – which doesn’t seem to fase the antivax crusaders. As Jenny McCarthy so charmingly spews:
“I do believe sadly it’s going to take some diseases coming back to realize that we need to change and develop vaccines that are safe. If the vaccine companies are not listening to us, it’s their f___ing fault that the diseases are coming back. They’re making a product that’s s___. If you give us a safe vaccine, we’ll use it. It shouldn’t be polio versus autism.”
Now there’s an outbreak of measles in South Africa. The report suggests that parents who haven’t vaccinated their kids are to blame. The question is, has the antivax movement had an influence or is it just the failing health services that have caused it? I haven’t frankly heard too much about an antivax movement in South Africa, but I wouldn’t be surprised if their evil talons have reached these fertile shores. Woo in all its forms always finds a warm welcome here.
For a lucid explanation of how this movement formed on a foundation of lies and is propagated by even more lies and hysteria, read Vaccines & Autism – A Deadly Manufactroversy by Harriet Hall.
Children are needlessly dying all around the world though Andrew Wakefield’s medical terrorism. One of the great achievements of modern medicine is being rolled back by his shrill, conspiracy theorist followers. This puts us all at risk – not just the innocent victims of parental abuse. They must be fought.
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