Last week, I wrote a blog about an antivaxxer book targeted at children and their parents, called “Melanie’s Marvelous Measles”, a book that has been widely condemned on many science blogs – see here, here and here, for example.
I would like to suggest the following story as an alternative description of measles which does not gloss over pain this disease causes, as well as the potential dangers it poses to vulnerable children.
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Melissa’s Miserable Measles
Melissa had an itchy red rash over most of her body and a terrible cough.
Melissa’s head hurt and felt hot all the time.
Melissa’s eyes hurt, so her room was dark and she couldn’t draw or look at pictures.
But this wasn’t why Melissa was miserable.
Melissa was miserable because her mummy was sad.
Her mummy kept crying, and didn’t visit her much.
Melissa wasn’t allowed to see her baby brother, Martin, either,
… even though all of her relatives were allowed to visit his room.
They were all very sad too.
Daddy came to visit Melissa. He was very sad.
Daddy explained that Martin had gone away, and wouldn’t be coming home.
Daddy started crying and hugged Melissa close.
He said he was sorry that they hadn’t been vaccinated.
And that he was lucky he still at least he had his daughter left.
Melissa wasn’t quite sure she understood daddy, but she hugged him back anyway.
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a little treacle-y fore my liking, but none-the-less.
For an object lesson in hypocritical statements, check out the latest “news” from the IAS. I particularly like the line:
“No matter your point of view on vaccination, we can no doubt agree that ostracizing students will have a negative impact. The situation requires empathetic, logical management and a clear set of protocols not clouded by fear or hysteria.”
Oh yeah sister – you spat a bibful there…