WESTON — Parents at Manatee Bay Elementary learned there are now seven cases of measles at school.
“It makes me a little concerned,” said Parent Demi Cavanaugh. “So my daughter’s fully vaccinated. My son can’t get his second one until he is 4 and he is high risk for a lot of other issues.”
She is worried.
“It’s so easily transmitted that it’s scary how fast it’s going up,” she said.
In all, there are now nine confirmed cases of measles in Broward, which includes seven at Manatee Bay and two others in the community.
“The individual impacted by this latest case has not physically been on campus since February 15th, therefore the infectious period of 21 days remains unchanged, March 7th,” said Broward School Superintendent Dr. Peter Licata.
Democratic Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz represents Weston in Congress and lives here. She’s calling for the removal of State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo.
“Surgeon General Ladapo is a misinformation super spreader,” she said. “I’m calling for his immediate termination.”
Ladapo has made controversial comments regarding vaccines in the past. He sent a letter to Manatee Bay parents permitting them to send unvaccinated children to school amid the outbreak, by “deferring the decision to keep children home from school to parents or guardians.” His letter contradicts advice from the CDC and doctors.
“This dangerous MAGA policy is what’s led the highest ranking health official in our state to issue measles outbreak guidance that did not declare an emergency, did not discuss, recommend or require vaccinations and did not require quarantining potentially exposed children,” Wasserman Schultz said.
Dr. Mary Jo Trepka is the Chair of Epidemiology at Florida International University. Standing with Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, she recommended getting kids vaccinated, warning of potential danger.
“Measles is a very serious disease that causes hospitalization on average in regarding one in five people, brain damage in one in 1,000 people and death in one in 1,000 people,” she said.
According to the school district, 33 students at Manatee Bay Elementary remain unvaccinated.
As we can see from the article, the rise in measles cases at Manatee Bay Elementary in Weston, Florida has raised concerns among parents and officials. With seven confirmed cases at the school and additional cases in the community, there is a growing need to address this outbreak effectively.
One of the key points highlighted in the text is the controversial stance of State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo regarding vaccinations. His decision to permit unvaccinated children to attend school, contradicting advice from the CDC and medical professionals, has raised alarm bells among lawmakers and health experts. The article suggests that this decision may be influenced by political motivations, with Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz calling for Dr. Ladapo’s removal.
This case highlights the broader issue of vaccine hesitancy and the potential dangers it poses to public health. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can have severe consequences, including hospitalization, brain damage, and even death. The fact that there are still unvaccinated students at Manatee Bay Elementary underscores the importance of raising awareness regarding the benefits and importance of vaccinations.
In light of recent measles outbreaks in various parts of the country, it is crucial for parents, schools, and healthcare providers to work together to ensure that children are properly vaccinated. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps to maintain community immunity, preventing the spread of diseases to those who are unable to receive vaccines due to medical conditions.
Moving forward, it is essential for policymakers and health authorities to address vaccine hesitancy head-on. This may involve implementing stricter vaccination requirements for schools, providing accurate information regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and combating misinformation surrounding vaccinations.
Additionally, this case raises questions regarding the role of politics in public health decision-making. The article suggests that political motivations may have influenced Dr. Ladapo’s stance on vaccinations. It is important for policymakers and public health officials to prioritize evidence-based decision-making and prioritize the well-being of the population over political considerations.
Overall, this measles outbreak at Manatee Bay Elementary serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinations and the need for continued efforts to educate the public and combat vaccine hesitancy. By working together and prioritizing public health, we can prevent future outbreaks and ensure the well-being of our communities.
