Hi Ross - you wrote -
> I haven't even *heard* of a case of tuberculosis..rubella....malaria...
polio...diptheria...pertussis.....in *years*.
>
Actually, tuberculosis is not really that rare - in fact, I had a very good
friend who wound up with a positive PPD (tuberculosis test), apparently
exposed while working in a Virginia health department with a large HIV
caseload. Immunocompromised persons are quite prone to tuberculosis. We
saw TB positive people on a regular basis - not a lot, but enough that I
was surprised that folks think it is gone.
However, the "shot" for tuberculosis, in almost all cases, is a test for
the disease (a PPD), not a vaccination against the disease.
From my somewhat elderly copy of _Epidemiology and Prevention of
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases_, published by the CDC -
Diptheria averaged about 3 reported cases per year, nationwide, from 1980
to 1993. In contrast, in 1993, over 40,000 cases were reported in the
countries of former Russia.
Rubella had 192 reported cases in 1993, down from 57,686 in
1969. Worldwide incidence AFAIK is unknown.
Polio is quite rare in the US (what few cases occur most often breakouts
from the modified live virus) Outbreaks of "wild" polio have occurred on
the US/Mexican border, but AFAIK not recently. In 1993, 9700 cases were
reported worldwide.
Pertussis in 993 had 6,586 cases and 12 deaths in the US. It's found
worldwide.
Malaria is not a disease children are normally vaccinated against. Not
sure why it's in the list?
If you're interested in learning more about the theory behind vaccination
policy, the CDC book (available online, I believe) is a good way to see the
rationale. Whether or not you agree with vaccination, it is an interesting
book, and it gives the hard numbers where available.
Lisa
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Author: Lisa Corell Auerbach
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