Re: Yanomami

[Beth Benoit]

Title: Re: Yanomami

Paul Brandon <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > As far as I know, their conclusions on the measles vaccine have not been > modified over that past 30 years. > Well, measles vaccines have certainly taken a lot of hits lately.  Their possible link to autism comes most immediately to mind.  (Note I say "possible.")   http://www.findarticles.com/m0999/n7133_v316/20415309/p1/article.jhtml This is from the CDC website about measles vaccine used on the Yanomami: Since 1963, when both inactivated and live attenuated (Edmonston B strain) vaccines were licensed, the type of measles vaccine used in the United States has changed several times. Distribution of the inactivated and live Edmonston B vaccines ceased after 1967 and 1975, respectively. Distribution in the United States of a live, further attenuated vaccine (Schwarz strain) first introduced in 1965 has also ceased. A live, further attenuated preparation of the Enders-Edmonston virus strain that is grown in chick embryo fibroblast cell culture, licensed in 1968, is the only measles virus vaccine now available in the United States. This further attenuated vaccine (formerly called "Moraten") causes fewer adverse reactions than the Edmonston B vaccine. They do admit that encephalitis is a "concern" of immunization though the evidence is inedequate (underlining mine): Encephalitis with resultant residual permanent central nervous system (CNS) impairment (encephalopathy) develops in approximately 1 per 1,000 persons infected with measles virus. Whether attenuated live viral measles vaccine can also produce such a syndrome has been a concern since the earliest days of measles vaccine use. In 1994, the IOM noted that most data were from case reports, case series, or uncontrolled observational studies, and concluded that the evidence was inadequate to accept or reject a causal relation (150). > BTW-- what are the _odds_ of contracting HIV by sharing toothbrushes? Still looking for any statistics about HIV and toothbrushes, but this is from the CDC's own website: Avoid deep, wet, or "French" kissing with an infected person. Possible trauma to the mouth may occur, which could result in the exchange of blood. It is safe, however, to hug, cuddle, rub, or dry kiss your partner. Avoid alcohol and illicit drugs. Alcohol and drugs can impair your immune system and your judgment. If you use drugs, do not share "injecting drug works." Do not share needles, syringes, or cookers. Do not share personal items such as toothbrushes, razors, and devices used during sex which may be contaminated with blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. Beth Benoit University of Massachusetts Lowell