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"Doctor in Texas Witnessed Measles-Related Deaths of Children; Measles Resurfaces in Texas"

Children's health crisis experienced by Gilbert Handal in a Chilean hospital due to measles, emphasizing the importance of remembering past hardships and the possible consequences of vaccine forgetfulness.

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3 min read
Witnessing the devastating impact of measles on children in a Chilean hospital prior to the...
Witnessing the devastating impact of measles on children in a Chilean hospital prior to the availability of the vaccine, Gilbert Handal now issues a caveat about disregarding that grim past.

Facing the Reality

In the heart of Chile, back in 1964, young medical student Gilbert Handal took his first steps into the measles ward of Manuel Arriarán Hospital. The hospital was a chaotic, exhausting place, filled with feverish children and worried parents.

The measles ward was a realm of its own, secluded and eerily quiet. It was, as Handal puts it, "an atmosphere of anxiety and exhaustion." The infectious disease unit was jam-packed with small beds, each holding a sick child. Some kids were gasping for breath while others lay motionless, creating a scene that was both frightening and heartbreaking.

"It was an error for people to stop immunizing their kids," Handal stated, reflecting on the past. The measles vaccine was still years away, and the disease ran rampant, infecting an estimated three to four million people annually in the U.S. alone.

Tending to the suffering children was no easy task. Handal and his team of doctors could only watch as many children fell victim to encephalitis or lost their eyesight from conjunctivitis. Emotionally, the experience weighed heavily on the young medical students like Handal.

Losing a child, he shared, is a memory that stays forever. Recalling the first child he lost, Handal described a five-month-old boy who weighed as much as a two-month-old. "Life after losing a child is difficult," Handal soberly added, "and it's hard to get over the feeling that you could have done more."

Fortunately, the measles vaccine changed everything. Introduced much later, the acceptance of the vaccine in Chile was immediate and widespread, significantly reducing the number of measles cases.

Today, however, Handal finds the situation concerning again, as we see a resurgence of measles cases—the largest surge in Texas in over three decades. West Texas, the epicenter of this outbreak, has strikingly lower immunization rates than the rest of the state.

Handal urges people to "immunize, immunize, immunize." He hopes the world learned from history and doesn't return to a time when measles spread unabated, taking lives and causing pain.

"Measles is an unforgiving disease," Handal says, "every single outbreak has been associated with poor immunization rates." With a heavy heart, Handal warns that should vaccination rates continue to drop, we may once again find ourselves in a world plagued by measles.

  1. The field of medical-conditions, particularly chronic diseases like cancer, is deeply intertwined with science and healthcare, as researchers relentlessly seek new therapies and treatments.
  2. The science community is closely monitoring the impact of climate change on mental health, as warmer temperatures and weather anomalies contribute to increased stress levels and mental illnesses.
  3. Handal's experience in the measles ward sparked an interest in environmental science, as he began to see the links between human health and the surroundings.
  4. As concerns about finance continue to grow, many are turning to health-and-wellness, lifestyle, and investing advice to secure a stable future.
  5. The surge in chronic diseases has led to an increased demand for home-and-garden solutions, with the focus on creating healthier living spaces.
  6. The business world is also feeling the effects, as companies strive to make their operations more sustainable and adopt environmentally-friendly practices.
  7. The rise in real-estate investment is closely linked to the data-and-cloud-computing industry, as developers gather and analyze large amounts of data to make informed decisions about property development.
  8. Sustainable living, a key aspect of personal-growth and career-development, is gaining popularity, with many opting for eco-friendly habits and technologies.
  9. In the realm of education-and-self-development, young minds are being encouraged to learn about sports, from basketball fundamentals to the weather patterns that influence game-day decisions.
  10. The sports-betting industry is vast and complex, requiring thorough understanding of statistics, trends, and weather conditions to make informed decisions.
  11. Basketball, a beloved sport worldwide, continues to evolve, with advanced technology used to analyze player performances and predict team strategies.
  12. living a sustainable lifestyle takes dedication and discipline, but the rewards extend beyond health-and-wellness, benefiting the environment and contributing to a greener future.
  13. Handal's plea for vaccinations highlights the importance of science in shaping society's lifestyle choices and preventing the spread of infectious diseases like measles.
  14. The global community continues to grapple with the will to adapt, whether it's through embracing the power of science and technology, or committing to sustainable living and environmental stewardship.

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