Remember measles? That super contagious disease we practically ERADICATED thanks to the miracle of modern science, also known as vaccines? Well, guess what? It’s BACK, with a vengeance, and it’s all thanks to a heaping helping of stupidity and a sprinkle of misinformation on the side.

Let’s be clear here: measles is not a cute childhood rash. It’s a deadly disease that can cause pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. Measles isn’t some medieval scourge either; it’s making a comeback right here, right now, in the 21st century, all because some folks seem to think Facebook memes are a more credible source of information than, you know, actual doctors.

Here’s the deal: during the whole COVID-19 fiasco, rumors and misinformation flew like a bat outta Wuhan. Vaccines were demonized, science mocked, and common sense tossed out the window. Now, the fallout from that idiocy is landing right at our kids’ feet, literally in the form of a measles outbreak.

Because people were hesitant (or outright refused) to get vaccinated for COVID, they’re letting their guard down on other essential vaccinations too, like measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). It’s a domino effect of stupidity – one vaccine myth leads to another, leaving us all vulnerable to diseases we thought were a thing of the past.

Measles isn’t just a problem for the unvaccinated – it’s a danger to everyone. Herd immunity, that beautiful concept where enough people are vaccinated to protect those who can’t be, is crumbling thanks to these anti-vax shenanigans.

And here’s some frightening proof: The US alone has had a whopping 128 measles cases reported in 20 jurisdictions this year, as of Friday, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s the highest number of cases since 2019, a troubling sign that things are headed in the wrong direction.

But the US isn’t alone in this mess. Globally, measles cases are skyrocketing. In 2022, there were a staggering 171,153 cases, according to Dr. Patrick O’Connor of the World Health Organization. That number nearly DOUBLED in 2023, with a shocking 321,582 cases reported. And so far in 2024, there have already been more than 94,000 cases, with the true number likely much higher.

So, here’s a message for the misinformation mongers and the willfully ignorant: Get your heads out of the sand and social media echo chambers, and listen to actual science. Vaccines are safe and effective. Measles is not.

Let’s stop this resurgence of measles before it turns into a full-blown epidemic. Vaccinate yourselves, vaccinate your kids, and for the love of all that is rational, stop spreading misinformation. The internet is not a medical degree, and Facebook groups are not bastions of scientific truth.

Let’s use our brains, people. Our children’s lives literally depend on it.