The U.S. has now seen five measles-associated deaths in the last two years — more than the combined total of reported deaths over the previous three decades — and is enduring its worst year for measles since 1991.

Two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents have died after being infected with measles, the first U.S. deaths this year related to the contagious virus.

State health officials announced the deaths Tuesday. They did not reveal any details about the people who died, other than that they lived in Lancaster County, west of Philadelphia.

“My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” said state Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen. “Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don’t fully understand the potential severity of the illness.”

The U.S. has now seen five measles-associated deaths in the last two years — more than the combined total of reported deaths over the previous three decades — and is enduring its worst year for measles since 1991.

With 2,777 cases as of Thursday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this year already has surpassed 2025’s measles count.

  • Dyskolos@lemmy.zip
    1·
    2 days ago

    “Who cares?” is a callous and counterproductive response. The children who died did not choose not to get vaccinated. The children who are currently at risk did not choose not to get vaccinated.

    You’re right. But those stupid fucks shouldn’t have procreated in the first place.

    Obviously you can’t fix stupid, but the government and public health organizations need to do a better job educating the masses about the efficacy and safety of the measles vaccine.

    Yes, basically they should. But for exactly those know-it-better-dumdums it’d be fruitless either way. They"d argue that auntie Jody from Facebook said otherwise. Even if Jesus himself came down to school them.

    It’s not like vaccines knowledge or measles is a new thing. Or you’re barred from obtaining knowledge. If someone makes a decision for another human being based on some google-“researches”, you’re impotent how to help them.

    You’re not totally wrong though,it’s just that you seem too optimistic. You really think some ads on YouTube or whereever could beat confirmation bias? They already KNOW vaccines are bad. So they actively already decided against science. No ad will change that.

    The death of a relative due to measles probably even wouldn’t change it but probably rather fuel another conspiracy…