Measles kill over 1,000 DR Congo children since January: UN - Page 3

[japonica]

Originally Posted by zylph 

That article is not accurate, but some of what it says is close enough to the truth.  One of the reasons the OPV is used in the developing world is that the vaccine polio strain does spread to the unvaccinated, in a subclinical (or essentially unnoticable) infection.  Apparently, that was not as effective in India as previously thought.  And any time you use a live virus as vaccine, you stand the chance of reversion, or in polio's case, the ability to cause paralytic disease.  OPV works, I can cite you case after case to that regard.  On an individual level, it does not work nearly as well as IPV, and stands a small chance of actually causing paralysis.  Your Yash Paul, who is not exactly an unbiased source, is actually a proponent of IPV for India, given the problems with the OPV.  But. the. money. is. not. there.  Hence my exhortation to BeckyBird to spend her money on IPV if vaccine-induced paralysis is a concern of hers.  But clean water is a more pressing need as far as money goes.

In summary:

1. There is no money for IPV treatment of Africa/India, the last reservoirs of polio.

2. IPV is more effective than OPV.

3. OPV works.

4. OPV has problems.

5. I could give a crap if you vaccinate your children.  Don't bring first world issues into real third-world problems unless you are sure of yourself.  Citing Yash Paul with no background indicates that you Googled "polio in developing countries" and posted whatever fit your preconceptions.  He's a member of the IAP, and very smart, but he's an idealogue.

Wow, chill, mama. I was asking a question. I had read a couple of articles about the OPV/IPV and developing nations, I never said I was an expert. Hence, questions. You know, if there's a moratorium on gaining access to information and clarification, then I guess we'd better shut this forum down.

Hey, but thanks for showing me what that helpful community attitude is all about. Cool. 

[lfpalmer]

Over 5% of the children in the Congo have HIV, according to web. One with Aids is quite likely to die from measles or whatever infection comes along first. Vaccination might help protect them a little where their immune systems cannot, though those with Aids mount weak immune responses to vaccines as well, rendering them far less effective, and vaccination doesn't guarantee that the next kind of bug won't get them -- it's more a matter of what hits them first than of the deadliness of measles. In terms of a healthy nation and measles, France found one death per 2 million population and one permanent disability per 2 million population from measles during a period of years when measles vaccination was quite minimal there (that's per population per year, in absence of vaccination, not per case of measles).

Edited by lfpalmer - 8/5/11 at 10:39am

[Turquesa]

Originally Posted by zylph 

I like how you're laughing at an article that talks about 1000 dead children.  I know that wasn't your intent, but seriously.  These are real people and not a battle in some vaccination war.

No.  I'm laughing at a completely unrelated article that I linked.  Please read my post correctly. 

[Turquesa]

It's been happening in Pakistan, as well, and that's super bad PR for the overseas medical missionaries trying to convince people to accept OPV.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/feb/15/pakistan.topstories3

http://www.dawn.com/2010/12/22/incidence-of-polio-among-vaccinated-children-alarms-govt.html

http://dailytimespakistan.com/polio-virus-cripples-10-children-in-sindh-in-four-months/

The push to force the OPV on people is getting downright creepy in Nigeria: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=138818232

Authorities last week said noncompliant parents would be prosecuted.

I'm not sure if it's this coercive in the Congo, but I'd be highly suspect of a medical intervention if my government were trying to force it on me under threat of prosecution. 

Originally Posted by japonica 

I've read a few contradictory articles about the OPV now. What's going on in India? Does this vaccine only work in Africa but not India? Not just stirring the pot, but blanket statements need to be qualified.

http://medind.nic.in/ibv/t08/i5/ibvt08i5p381.pdf

[organicmamacafe]

babygirlie . Raelize and Lovebeingamama -

You are all right. Historically speaking - missionaries have used terrible practices to convert people to their faith traditions. I know a little about this as my degree is in history with a strong emphasis in religion history. However, lovebeingamama is right that there are truly kind missionaries who treat their intended audience with love, respect and a spirit of service. I happen to know several of them.