I have always thought that measles were almost “extinct” in most parts of the U.S. today. When I was a kid, it was a different story. Measles and chicken pox were quite common and every baby that was born had to have shots (at least for measles) in order to avoid contracting the disease. I thought for sure that the problem had been eradicated.
That is, until I read on MSN that we are having measles cases all over the country again. In fact, the report says that the current count for measles cases is the highest since 1996!
Some parents’ refusal to vaccinate children seems to be behind the highest rate of measles cases reported since 1996, federal officials said Thursday.
Between Jan. 1 and July 31 of this year, 131 measles cases have been reported in the United States, many of them among children whose parents have philosophical or religious objections to the vaccine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
At least 15 patients, including four children 15 months or younger, were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
There you go – parents are refusing to vaccinate their children and that is causing the occurrence of measles! I am quite confused about this point. Why would parents refuse vaccination? I mean, I would understand if we were living in the early 20th century – religious beliefs and superstitions, you know. But in this day and age?
Anyhow, if you have children or you are having a baby soon, do make sure to check with your doctor about vaccinations. Better safe than sorry!
Originally posted on August 24, 2008 @ 2:44 pm