Measles Strikes with Highest Record Since 2001
The word “epidemic” might be a little strong, but the statistics are certainly worthy of noticing. “The Detroit News,” has reported that four of the 64 cases of measles reported this year, occurred in Michigan. Two families were affected making these the highest outbreak of measles since 2001.
“Measles is a very contagious virus. If it is not under control, a significant outbreak can occur and the best way to prevent an outbreak is to get immunized. If a child, or an adult for that matter, is not immunized, they will be at a great risk of getting sick. All of the people who had measles in Michigan for the past eight years were not immunized, so the vaccination does work.”
James McCurtis, Jr., Michigan Health Department
The Michigan measles cases brought the total to 64 as of May 1, and according to news reports in February, 2008, another outbreak of the disease began in San Diego. A report said that 12 children were confirmed with measles at the end of February, with another 70 children being monitored as possibly infected.
Other areas include:
“During January 1–April 25, 2008, a total of 64 preliminary confirmed measles cases were reported from the following areas: New York City (22 cases), Arizona (15), California (12), Michigan and Wisconsin (four each), Hawaii (three), and Illinois, New York state, Pennsylvania, and Virginia (one each).”
CDC
The vast bulk of the cases of measles reported show the lack of the measles vaccine. Much of the controversy around the measles vaccine is the concern about vaccinations and autism. Although no connection has been proven, many parents continue to insist that their child’s autism was caused by vaccinations given before the age of two, including the measles vaccine.
The CDC has prepared a very thorough explanation of the measles vaccine for concerned parents. Included on this page:
- Information about measles
- Information about the vaccine to prevent measles
- Explanations of various beliefs about vaccines and the autism theory
- General vaccination safety
- Who should and should not receive a vaccination
- Resources for both patients and physicians
As always, with any medical treatment, it is risk vs. benefit. But considering the seriousness of the measles infection, it is a topic everyone should research carefully and understand so that an informed disease about vaccination can be made. And as always, make decisions about healthcare, with your physician!
CDC Report - Measles — United States, January 1–April 25, 2008
San Diego Measles Outbreak Growing
Measles Outbreak 2008 - Get The Facts
CDC - 2008 Measles Update for Travelers
Autism Awareness Month
If you think that all the news about health right now centers on autism, you’re right. It does. And it does for a very good reason; actually two very good reasons.
1. Autism has increased from one-4 children in 10,000 to one in every 150 children. Some areas are actually reporting rates as high as one in 58!
2. April is autism awareness month. With the recent surge in statistics, and recognition by more public health agencies as well as the general public, autism is a focal point for the news.
The largest study looking at the cause of autism is being undertaken by the CDC and has been named SEED. SEED stands for the Study to Explore Early Development. It will include nearly 3,000 children and will cover diverse areas in the attempt to determine once and for all the cause of this difficult, and sometimes devastating, disorder.
The Autism Herald, a blog at NinerNiner along with About Public Health, will be covering different activities during the month of April. It is difficult to imagine that there could be anyone now who is not involved in one way or another with a child who has autism. But even those who do not have children on the autism spectrum are affected. The cost to society is frightening, and as the years go by and these children grow into adulthood, the situation will become critical.
It is impossible to project what our society will be like if the tide of autism cases is not curbed and effective treatment is not found. It is up to all of us to learn and become aware.