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Final week, our newsroom was intrigued by information on this Economist article exhibiting that Wisconsin stands out nationally on the subject of its low vaccination charges for measles. It prompted a dialogue in regards to the many causes for vaccine hesitancy and the complicated challenges of sustaining belief in public well being.
One factor is obvious: Measles is a really infectious illness, and it’s spreading nationwide.
As of Could 15 officers had confirmed 1,024 measles circumstances — together with greater than 100 hospitalizations — throughout 31 states, in accordance with the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management.
Officers in 2025 have tracked nearly as many measles outbreaks (outlined as three or extra associated circumstances) as they did in all of 2024. Three deaths this yr have been linked to measles. They included two unvaccinated school-aged youngsters in Texas and an unvaccinated grownup in New Mexico.
The outbreaks come as vaccination charges decline nationwide, significantly in Wisconsin. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine fee for Wisconsin kindergartners has plunged since 2019. However even earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic, no county in Wisconsin had greater than a 90% vaccination fee, which is historically related to “herd immunity.”
Wisconsin, The Economist article famous, “is among the many most permissive states for vaccine exceptions in colleges, permitting opt-out for personal-conviction causes (together with medical and non secular exemptions, which most states have); dad and mom solely should submit a written be aware.”
Nonetheless, Wisconsin has but to see a measles outbreak this yr. As we contemplate report on this difficulty, tell us what you suppose.
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