Anti-vaxxers cause crisis

WARNING: MEASLES ONE CHILDHOOD DISEASE THAT IS MAKING A COMEBACK IN US

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It's the canary in the coal mine, says immunologist.

Plummeting immunisation rates, outbreaks of once-vanquished childhood diseases and the appointment of a vocal vaccine sceptic as health secretary have US experts sounding the alarm about a looming public health crisis.

Since the start of the year, nearly 100 cases of measles have been reported in Texas and neighbouring New Mexico, raising fears that the highly contagious and potentially serious illness is making a comeback.

"The measles is the canary in the coal mine," warned leading paediatrician and immunologist Paul Offit, highlighting the decline in vaccination rates since the Covid pandemic.

Amid growing distrust of health authorities and pharmaceutical companies, more parents are opting not to vaccinate their children.