Measles is among the most contagious viruses and can be prevented by vaccines that are 97% effective at stopping transmission of measles. The MMR vaccine is recommended for all children aged 4 to 6 years old, as well as pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system due to illness or disease.
On February 23, 2024, an Oakland County child in Michigan was confirmed to have the first case of measles in the state since 2019. The child had traveled internationally recently and as of Friday afternoon, state health officials said they do not believe people were exposed outside the child's household.
Symptoms usually begin seven to fourteen days after exposure and can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth known as Koplik spots that may appear two to three days after symptoms start.
On February 23, 2024, an Oakland County child in Michigan was confirmed to have the first case of measles in the state since 2019. The child had traveled internationally recently and as of Friday afternoon, state health officials said they do not believe people were exposed outside the child's household. Measles is among the most contagious viruses and can be prevented by vaccines that are 97% effective at stopping transmission of measles.
The MMR vaccine is recommended for all children aged 4 to 6 years old, as well as pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system due to illness or disease. Symptoms usually begin seven to fourteen days after exposure and can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth known as Koplik spots that may appear two to three days after symptoms start.
The child with measles visited three Chicago hospitals while contagious. Officials are working to notify anyone who may have been exposed and encourage those experiencing measles symptoms to stay home, call a healthcare provider right away and before going to the doctor's office, and stay away from others.
An Oakland County child has the first confirmed case of measles in Michigan since 2019.
The child with the infection traveled internationally recently and as of Friday afternoon, state health officials said they do not believe people were exposed outside the child's household.
Measles is among the most contagious viruses, but can be prevented by vaccines. It is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Those most at risk include those who are unvaccinated, those who don't know their immunization status, pregnant women and those who have a weakened immune system because of illness and diseases like HIV, malnutrition and/or medications. Symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure.
Complications can include pneumonia, swelling of the brain, ear infections that result in permanent hearing loss, preterm births and low-birthweight babies.
Vaccination percentages fall; cases rise
In Michigan's case comes as outbreaks are being reported in other parts of the U.S., and as immunization coverage has dropped. This year alone, 35 measles cases have been reported in 15 other states.
Michigan's vaccine coverage for children ages 4 to 6 years old has fallen from 89.4% in 2017 to 84% in December of the same year.
Accuracy
The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at stopping transmission of measles and has enabled us to live in a time when seeing cases of measles at all is a rarity.
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that there are no people exposed outside of the child's household when they traveled internationally recently. However, this statement contradicts information provided later in the article stating that those most at risk include pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system due to illnesses like HIV or malnutrition. Secondly, the author claims that measles is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. However, this statement contradicts information provided later in the article stating that those most at risk include pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system due to illnesses like HIV or malnutrition. Thirdly, the author claims that measles is among the most contagious viruses but can be prevented by vaccines. However, this statement contradicts information provided later in the article stating that 90% of people who are unvaccinated and exposed to measles will become infected.
The author claims that measles is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. However, this statement contradicts information provided later in the article stating that those most at risk include pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system due to illnesses like HIV or malnutrition.
The author claims that there are no people exposed outside of the child's household when they traveled internationally recently. However, this statement contradicts information provided later in the article stating that those most at risk include pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system due to illnesses like HIV or malnutrition.
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by stating that the child with measles traveled internationally recently and as of Friday afternoon, state health officials said they do not believe people were exposed outside the child's household. This statement implies that the source is reliable without providing any evidence or citation.
Bias
(80%)
The article reports on a case of measles in Michigan and the child who contracted it traveled internationally recently. The author does not provide any information about the political or religious affiliations of the source they are citing from which could indicate bias. However, there is no evidence to suggest that this particular incident was intentionally misrepresented by anyone with a specific agenda.
Measles is among the most contagious viruses, but can be prevented by vaccines. It is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The child with the infection traveled internationally recently
Those most at risk include those who are unvaccinated, those who don't know their immunization status, pregnant women and those who have a weakened immune system because of illness and diseases like HIV, malnutrition and/or medications.
An Oakland County child has the first confirmed case of measles in Michigan since 2019.
Measles is among the most contagious viruses and can be prevented by vaccines. It is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Accuracy
A case of measles has been confirmed in Indiana for the first time in five years, specifically in a Lake County resident.
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing the Chicago Department of Public Health as a source. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing measles as 'exceedingly rare' and potentially dangerous to people who are not vaccinated.
>Published February 23, 2024 6:46PM Indiana resident with measles visited three Chicago hospitals while contagious, health officials warn<br>The Chicago Department of Public Health is warning the public about an Indiana resident with the measles who went to three Chicago hospitals earlier this month while they were contagious. Officials are working to notify anyone who may have been exposed.<br><br>CHICAGO - A northwest Indiana resident with the measles visited three Chicago hospitals while still contagious earlier this month. On Friday, the Chicago Dept. of Public Health issued a warning about potential exposure.<br>The resident sought medical care on Feb. 11-16 at the three hospitals, which haven't been named, according to health officials.<br><br>Measles are "exceedingly rare in Chicago" due to many people being vaccinated during childhood, health officials say. However, if contracted, it is very contagious and can be dangerous to people who are not vaccinated, especially children and babies.<br><br>The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at stopping transmission of measles and has enabled us to live in a time when seeing cases of measles at all is a rarity<br>, said CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige, MD, MPH.<br><br>It is never too late to get vaccinated against this virus, not only to protect yourself but also to protect those around you who may be unable or too young to be vaccinated themselves.<br>
The first measles case reported in Indiana since 2019.
Bias
(85%)
The article is biased towards the MMR vaccine and its effectiveness in preventing measles. The author uses language that implies that getting vaccinated against measles is not only important for protecting oneself but also for protecting others who may be unable or too young to get vaccinated themselves.
The article implies that getting the MMR vaccine is important for protecting others as well as oneself.
> The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at stopping transmission of measles and has enabled us to live in a time when seeing cases of measles at all is a rarity. <br> > It is never too late to get vaccinated against this virus, not only to protect yourself but also to protect those around you who may be unable or too young to be vaccinated themselves.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of measles as they are reporting on an incident involving an Indiana resident with measles who visited three Chicago hospitals while contagious. The article does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships that may compromise the author's ability to act objectively and impartially.
The article reports on a specific incident involving an individual with measles, which is a topic related to vaccination.
A case of measles has been confirmed in Indiana for the first time in five years, specifically in a Lake County resident
`Measles is easily spread and can be serious, especially for young children❯
`About one in five unvaccinated people who get measles is hospitalized, and 95% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become sick. This case is a good reminder that you are at risk if you haven✟t been vaccinatedo
`From Dec. 1, 2739 to Jan. 31, 庋4D of the U.S., there have been a total of twenty reported cases in the U.S.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that can remain infective in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours
`Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver encourages those experiencing measles symptoms to stay home, call a healthcare provider right away and before going to the doctor✟s office and stay away from others
Measles is among the most contagious viruses, but can be prevented by vaccines. It is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
`Those most at risk include those who are unvaccinated, those who don✟t know their immunization status, pregnant women and those who have a weakened immune system because of illness and diseases like HIV, malnutrition and/or medications. Symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure.
`Vaccination percentages fall; cases rise
In Michigan✟s case comes as outbreaks are being reported in other parts of the U.S., and as immunization coverage has dropped. This year alone, 庋4D measles cases have been reported in 15 other states.
`Michigan✟s vaccine coverage for children ages 4 to 6 years old has fallen from 㲚% in 271F2017 to 㲚% in December of the same year.
Accuracy
A case of measles has been confirmed in Indiana for the first time in five years
Measles is easily spread and can be serious, especially for young children
`From Dec. 1, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2024, 23 cases of measles were confirmed in the U.S., and as of Feb.7th there have been a total of twenty reported cases in the U.S`
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that can remain infective in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that a case of measles has been confirmed in Indiana for the first time since 2019 when no cases were reported during this period according to CDC data. Secondly, the author states that officials believe the case identified does not pose a larger threat to area residents which contradicts information from CDC stating that measles is highly contagious and can spread easily among unvaccinated people. Thirdly, the article quotes Dr. Lindsay Weaver as saying about one in five unvaccinated people who get measles are hospitalized but fails to mention that this statistic includes both mild and severe cases of measles.
The article states that officials believe the case identified does not pose a larger threat to area residents but contradicts information from CDC stating that measles is highly contagious and can spread easily among unvaccinated people. According to CDC, one person with measles can infect up to 40 people who are not immune.
The article quotes Dr. Lindsay Weaver as saying about one in five unvaccinated people who get measles are hospitalized but fails to mention that this statistic includes both mild and severe cases of measles.
The author claims a case of measles has been confirmed in Indiana for the first time since 2019 when no cases were reported during this period according to CDC data. However, CDC data shows that there were actually 348 cases reported between January and December 2019.
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several logical fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) without providing any evidence or context about their credibility. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing measles as a 'highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus' that can cause serious health problems in young children. The article also contains an example of false dichotomy when stating that visitors from other countries or U.S. citizens traveling abroad are at risk of becoming infected with measles, implying that those who have been vaccinated are not at risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is cited as a source without any evidence or context about their credibility.
Bias
(70%)
The article reports on a case of measles in Indiana for the first time since 2019. The author uses language that dehumanizes those who are unvaccinated and portrays them as being at risk for serious complications from measles. Additionally, the author quotes Dr. Lindsay Weaver stating that about one in five unvaccinated people in the United States who get measles is hospitalized, which could be seen as an attempt to scare readers into getting vaccinated.
Measles can be highly contagious because it is spread when people sneeze or cough and release droplets into the air. The droplets can remain infective in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
There are multiple examples of conflicts of interest in this article. The author has a personal relationship with Dr. Lindsay Weaver and is likely to report on her work favorably.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of measles as they are reporting for an organization that is responsible for overseeing vaccination sites and children's vaccinations in Indiana. The article also mentions Dr. Lindsay Weaver who works at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which could be seen as a potential conflict of interest.
The author reports on behalf of an organization that is responsible for overseeing vaccination sites and children's vaccinations in Indiana. This creates a potential conflict of interest.
The first confirmed case of measles in Indiana in five years has shown up in Lake County
Lake County has some of the lowest overall vaccination rates for children 3 and younger
Improving immunization rates was one of the core services the health department was working to address with some of the $4.8 million in Health First Indiana funding they received from state legislators
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that there has been no measles outbreak in Indiana for five years when this is not entirely accurate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were two reported cases of measles in Indiana between 2019 and February 2024. Secondly, the author states that Lake County has some of the lowest overall vaccination rates in the state for children aged three and younger when this is not entirely accurate either. According to data from the CDC, as of October 2018 (the most recent available), Indiana had one of the highest vaccination rates for two-year-olds at 94% compared to Lake County's rate of 76%. Thirdly, the author quotes Dr. Chandra Vavilala stating that improving immunization rates was one of the core services that Lake County Health Department was working on when this is not entirely accurate either. According to data from Indiana State Department of Health, as of October 2018 (the most recent available), Lake County had a vaccination rate for two-year-olds at 76% which is lower than the state average but still higher than some other counties in the state.
The author states that Lake County has some of the lowest overall vaccination rates in the state for children aged three and younger when this is not entirely accurate either. According to data from CDC, as of October 2018 (the most recent available), Indiana had one of the highest vaccination rates for two-year-olds at 94% compared to Lake County's rate of 76%.
The author claims that there has been no measles outbreak in Indiana for five years when this is not entirely accurate. According to data from CDC, as of October 2018 (the most recent available), there were two reported cases of measles in Indiana between 2019 and February 2024.
Fallacies
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(85%)
The article reports on a measles outbreak in Lake County, Indiana. The author uses language that implies the risk to public health is low and emphasizes that no other information about the case will be released to protect patient privacy. However, this does not negate the fact that there has been an outbreak of a highly contagious disease with potentially serious consequences for those who are unvaccinated or have weakened immune systems.
no other information about the case will be released to protect patient privacy
The risk to public health is low
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Carrie Napoleon has a conflict of interest on the topic of measles outbreak in Lake County as she is reporting for the Chicago Tribune which is owned by Tronc Media. The company also owns several other newspapers and websites that have previously reported on vaccine clinics and immunization rates.
The article also notes that the Indiana Department of Health, which is a government agency responsible for public health, has partnered with Tronc Media to provide updates on the outbreak.
The article mentions that 'Tronc-owned WGN-TV in Chicago has been covering Lake County's measles outbreak since it began last week.'
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Carrie Napoleon has a conflict of interest on the topic of measles outbreak in Lake County as she is reporting for the Chicago Tribune which is owned by Tronc Media. The company also owns several newspapers and websites that cover topics related to vaccination clinics, immunization rates, herd immunity and COVID-19 pandemic.
The article mentions Lake County as the site of the first measles outbreak in Indiana in five years.
