You're grossly underestimating the prevalence of birth defects that lead to health issues in children.

And adults for that matter. (Any teacher who has a similar immuno-comrpomised situation, or knows of someone similarly immuno-compromised is at risk).

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In any case, I "don't worry" about the potential death of my niece at all. What I care about are the long term health effects on her and her life. And for the long-term health effects of other children too.

This disease has been shown to ravage and disable athletes: destroying their lung function even when they survive. Deaths are hardly endgame: long-term chronic illnesses are still a problem to try to minimize.

I have read that birth defects of one sort or another are 6% of live births. I have no idea what percentage of those lead to ongoing health issues.