Today, we shall learn three things that even medical staff fail to grasp.
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Iceland is a isolated nation distanced from all by ocean. Till 1846 there was not a single case of measles in Iceland. Icelanders had no immunity against Measles.
Surviving a viral infection is the best way to develop immunity.
Then in the month of June 1846, a boat arrived from Denmark bringing the first imported case of Measles to Iceland.
The island had a population of only 50,000 who had never suffered from measles till then. Iceland had no immunity against measles at all. Result: that single imported case ran through the country side like a howling wind.
By July, 741 people had died. That is 1.5% of the total population. ( Perspective: 1.5% of Indian population will be 2 crores)
Rest of the Icelanders developed significant immunity. There was no further case.
Now here is the twist.
Herd immunity gradually dies down if it’s not boosted at regular intervals. So it happened in Iceland.
By the second generation, the herd immunity of Iceland had become zero.
Then in 1882, the second measles patient arrived by boat again imported from Denmark. Lo and behold, by July of 1882, 1084 citizens had died before the ravages could slow down.
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This is one of the classic example of herd immunity protecting against a novel viral epidemic.
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People who have suffered and survived one attack of Covid-19 will develop immunity. When 75% will be immune, that will protect the rest 25% by default. This is Herd immunity.
But if we do not develop an effective vaccine, soon the story of Iceland will repeat again and again.
Dr Ramakanta's Ideas 