to the editor: Big surprise. Measles is spreading in Mexico after an unvaccinated person visited Texas (“Measles outbreak in Mexico generates health alert in Jalisco, headquarters of the World Cup” February 5). Tuberculosis is spreading at a private school in San Francisco (“A tuberculosis outbreak was reported at a Catholic high school in the Bay Area. Cases across the state are increasing.” February 3).
For all the vaccine skeptics and those who don't care about the millions who have lost health care due to ACA subsidy cuts, I have a message for you: public health matters. No matter how rich and privileged one is, communicable diseases do not discriminate. If your neighbor cannot receive preventive care or early detection of illness, be careful. You could be the next victim.
We have created a toxic mix between low vaccination rates and the inability to access health care. I'm old enough to remember the days before measles and polio vaccines and an entire building in City of Hope labeled “consumption.” I pray that government officials and stubborn citizens wake up and reprioritize public health before it is too late and polio becomes our next outbreak.
Barbara Rosen, Fullerton
