In rural West Texas, a measles outbreak grows with no end in sight
NBCFEB 15
Texas Measles Outbreak Surges to 58 Cases
Above: The MMR vaccine for measles, mumps or rubella. Image copyright: Antonio Perez/Contributor/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
This is a nightmare that could've been avoided. The MMR vaccine is proven safe and 97% effective with two doses, making these measles cases largely preventable. Unfortunately, there's too much misinformation flooding the zone and bringing vaccination rates down. In the current political climate in the US, this is unlikely to change.
Right narrative
Religious freedom and personal choice must be respected when it comes to vaccination decisions, and anything else is just government overreach. Vaccine exemptions for reasons of conscience and religious beliefs exist to protect individual rights to make healthcare decisions and allow religious groups to adopt a vaccination policy that's in line with their beliefs.