Infectious diseases
“Well known infectious diseases could be on the rise as vaccination rates fall: measles cases in 2024 have been the highest this century.” Darzi review
What’s worse, herd immunity needs to be really high for measles. 95% high.
The examiner pointed at the ceiling. So I said 90%. He pointed up again. So I said 95%. He said that was correct and that the level was remarkably high. He said never forget it. But I did. Until I was reminded by the Darzi review. The review states that “well-known infectious diseases could be on the rise as vaccination rates fall: measles cases in 2024 have been the highest this century”. I remember being asked about measles in an oral exam at medical school. The examiner asked what herd immunity levels are needed to prevent outbreaks of measles. I guessed 80%.
We need to get vaccinating to push up herd immunity levels. Because measles is a serious disease. • Complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis are common. • Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world - there is a super high transmission rate. • Adults are at higher risk for severe disease. • Measles can suppress the immune system for months.
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