Measles Outbreak Possibly Fueled By Vaccination Fears

     Vaccines have been put under the microscope recently in regards to the potential risks they may possess in causing neurological disabilities in children, such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  Some parents’ refusal to vaccinate their children may be the source of a record outbreak of measles this year, according to federal officials.
     Within the first seven months of 2008, 131 cases of measles were reported, more than triple the number of reported cases in 2007.  In fact, over the last six years the average number of cases reported was 64, less than half of this year’s current number.  With five months left in the year, concern amongst individuals and parents continues to rise.
     Measles is an extremely contagious and potentially deadly disease, and if someone unvaccinated comes into contact with someone infected, there is as high as a ninety percent chance of contracting the disease.  Of the 131 cases reported, ninety-six percent were unvaccinated, unsure of their vaccination status or under the age of one and too young to be vaccinated.  That staggering statistic causes further concern that this year’s outbreak, the largest of its kind since 1997, can become a serious issue in the United States.
     Vaccine fears may be at the hub of this, as at least half of the infected were unvaccinated children.  Schools require children to be properly immunized before attending, but there are exceptions.  Home-schooled children do not need to be vaccinated because there is no educational facility requiring it.  Parents can also refuse to immunize their children based on religious beliefs.  However, more parents are turning their backs on vaccination due to fear of them causing mental disabilities in their children.
     Autism is at the foreground of the debate, with some believing that a rise in the number of autistic children over the last twenty years is a direct result of vaccination.  The government investigated the possible link between the two and found that they could not prove a strong enough connection to suggest vaccines were the culprit.  Still, this assertion did not wane the public from its aversion.  More studies conducted focused on two of the vaccine components: a mercury-based preservative, and the killed virus that provides the immunization.  In 2001, the preservative was removed from all shots recommended to young children as a precaution. Interestingly enough, the preservative never existed in the standard MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine to begin with.
     The measles outbreak is just one of several childhood diseases on the rise due to recent vaccination fears and rumors.  The best course of action for any parent is to conduct research into each vaccine your child should receive prior to getting it.  Consult your child’s pediatrician or contact the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to keep abreast on updated information regarding this issue.
 
Anthony Ripo
Mommy & Me Correspondent