In New York, some parents have taken a shocking approach to managing vaccination concerns by hosting “measles parties,” where they intentionally expose their unvaccinated children to the virus. This alarming trend has emerged amidst a serious measles outbreak in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, where 285 cases have been reported, primarily among unvaccinated children in the Orthodox Jewish community.
Public Health Emergency Declared
City officials recently declared a public health emergency, highlighting the dangers of such gatherings. “In the past, parents might have hosted parties to expose their kids to chickenpox,” said Dr. Marianne Fields, the city’s Health Commissioner. “But today, we understand the grave risks involved.” These risks include severe complications like permanent hearing loss, brain damage, and even death.
Warnings from Health Officials
Deputy Mayor Lisa Tanaka urged parents to reconsider their choices. “As a doctor and a mother, I cannot stress enough how dangerous it is to expose your unvaccinated child to measles. This practice can lead to fatal outcomes.” While some children may experience mild symptoms, others could face serious health issues requiring hospitalization.
A Historical Perspective
Historically, exposure parties were more common when vaccines for diseases like measles and chickenpox were unavailable. The rationale was that children might gain immunity by contracting the illness naturally. However, with the rise of the anti-vaccine movement fueled by misinformation online, these parties are resurfacing, despite the lethal risks involved. Just last month, a prominent figure in Kentucky publicly admitted to exposing all nine of his children to chickenpox in a similar fashion.
The Contagious Nature of Measles
Health experts, including Dr. Susan Harrington from the CDC, emphasize that measles is highly contagious, capable of infecting 90% of unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with an infected person. Once eradicated in the U.S., measles outbreaks are now occurring due to declining vaccination rates driven by unfounded fears about vaccine safety.
Seeking Immunity Through Exposure
The recent surge in measles parties may stem from parents seeking to prove their children’s immunity without vaccination. “I can’t comprehend what drives these parents,” Dr. Fields noted. “But it seems they believe this could allow their children to return to school without getting vaccinated.”
Impact of the Outbreak
The ongoing outbreak, primarily affecting children under 18, has already resulted in 21 hospitalizations, with five individuals in critical care. In response, New York has implemented fines of $1,000 for unvaccinated residents in specific zip codes and barred unvaccinated children from attending school.
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Conclusion
In summary, the rise of measles parties in New York highlights a troubling trend among some parents who prioritize natural immunity over the safety of vaccinations. With serious health risks at stake, health officials continue to advocate for vaccines as the safest way to protect children from preventable diseases.