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U.S. stock futures were mixed on Wednesday as investors braced for a wave of corporate earnings that could set the tone for markets in the weeks ahead. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq 100 hovered near flat, while S&P 500 contracts edged slightly higher. The cautious mood followed a record-setting session for the Dow, which closed at an all-time high above 47,000 on Tuesday, buoyed by strong results from blue-chip names like Coca-Cola. However, sentiment was tempered after Netflix shares tumbled more than 6% in after-hours trading on weaker-than-expected quarterly results. All eyes are now on Tesla, IBM, and other major companies set to report later today. Tesla’s earnings, in particular, are expected to be a key test for the so-called “Magnificent Seven” tech giants that have powered much of this year’s rally. Meanwhile, bond markets remained steady, with the 10-year Treasury yield holding just under 4%. Investors are also watching closely for signs ...

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Ontario’s First Measles Death in Decades: A Grim Reminder for Unvaccinated Children

 

In a tragic turn of events, Ontario has reported its first measles-related death in decades. The victim was a child under the age of five from Hamilton, Ontario. Public Health Ontario (PHO) confirmed that the child was unvaccinated and had fallen seriously ill, ultimately succumbing to the disease.

The Alarming Situation

Measles, once considered a disease of the past, has made a concerning resurgence. Here are some key points:

  1. Unvaccinated Children at Risk: The child who tragically lost their life was one of five unvaccinated kids who fell ill this year. These cases highlight the vulnerability of unvaccinated children, especially when vaccination rates drop.

  2. Measles Cases on the Rise: In 2024, Ontario has already documented 22 cases of measles, nearly a quarter of the roughly 100 cases reported in the entire previous decade. This year’s death marks the province’s first fatal case since 1989.

  3. Global Immunization Challenges: Immunization rates against infectious diseases have declined globally, including in Canada. The pandemic disrupted vaccination programs, leading to missed doses. For example, the proportion of seven-year-olds in Ontario with zero vaccine doses rose significantly between 2019-2020 and 2022-2023.

The Importance of Vaccination

Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, and respiratory failure. Children are supposed to receive two doses of the measles vaccine, with the first administered at 12 months of age. Unvaccinated children, especially those under five, remain at heightened risk.

A Call to Action

This tragic loss underscores the critical importance of vaccination. As a community, we must prioritize immunization to protect our children and prevent further outbreaks. Let us learn from this devastating event and work together to ensure a safer future for all.

Remember: Vaccines save lives. Let’s protect our children and each other.


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