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Source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news...-braces-for-measles-outbreak/article18209297/
Brazil readies for World Cup party ? and braces for measles outbreak
Allan Maki
The Globe and Mail
Published Friday, Apr. 25 2014, 1:44 PM EDT
Last updated Friday, Apr. 25 2014, 2:00 PM EDT
It is hailed as the world?s biggest sporting event, with hundreds of thousands of people making the pilgrimage every four years so they can sit in close company, sing songs, rattle their caxirolas and cheer for their country?s finest soccer players.
Such is the essence of the FIFA World Cup...
...As the airborne disease continues its global tour, Brazilian organizers and international health officials have been preparing for the worst. They know the conditions are ripe for an outbreak of disastrous proportions.
Here is why: Until recently, Brazil had one of the strongest immunization rates on the planet. It went years without recording a single case of measles. In 2012, it had two. But last year, the Brazilian ministry of health noted 201 cases. Through January and February of this year, the count was 74 and continues to go up.
Added to that is the spread of the disease from the Philippines and the Netherlands to Canada, the United States and other nations. Of the 32 countries competing in this World Cup, 26 have reported having measles. Toss in an expected 600,000 visitors headed to the tournament?s 12 cities and what you have is a stick of dynamite in search of a spark...
Brazil readies for World Cup party ? and braces for measles outbreak
Allan Maki
The Globe and Mail
Published Friday, Apr. 25 2014, 1:44 PM EDT
Last updated Friday, Apr. 25 2014, 2:00 PM EDT
It is hailed as the world?s biggest sporting event, with hundreds of thousands of people making the pilgrimage every four years so they can sit in close company, sing songs, rattle their caxirolas and cheer for their country?s finest soccer players.
Such is the essence of the FIFA World Cup...
...As the airborne disease continues its global tour, Brazilian organizers and international health officials have been preparing for the worst. They know the conditions are ripe for an outbreak of disastrous proportions.
Here is why: Until recently, Brazil had one of the strongest immunization rates on the planet. It went years without recording a single case of measles. In 2012, it had two. But last year, the Brazilian ministry of health noted 201 cases. Through January and February of this year, the count was 74 and continues to go up.
Added to that is the spread of the disease from the Philippines and the Netherlands to Canada, the United States and other nations. Of the 32 countries competing in this World Cup, 26 have reported having measles. Toss in an expected 600,000 visitors headed to the tournament?s 12 cities and what you have is a stick of dynamite in search of a spark...