Baby Health – CDC Warns of Measles Outbreaks in the U.S.

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist

Just when you thought the vaccine debate would certainly be overshadowed by the plastic baby bottle confusion, think again.  Vaccines are once again in the hot seat, as government health officials have recently reported cases of measles in 9 different states.  Considered rare since the advent of immunizations, only one of the recently infected children with the highly contagious disease had been vaccinated.

Several of the children infected with measles were not immunized as their parents opted out of vaccinations claiming exemption due to “religious or personal beliefs”.   According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 64 people have contracted measles between January and April of 2008.  This is the highest rate since the same time frame in 2001.  Fourteen of those affected were infants who were simply too young to get their first measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.  The CDC is now urging parents to make sure their children are vaccinated while they are actively investigating these recent cases.

While it is still uncommon in the United States, measles currently affects 20 million people a year worldwide.  The condition, also known as rubeola, is due to an airborne virus that spreads via coughing and sneezing.  Measles causes flu-like symptoms such as a fever, cough, and runny nose, along with a full body skin rash.  The virus can also lead to other health problems as contraction of measles weakens the immune system making the body more susceptible to other bacterial infections.

According to BBC News, a Labor MP has made a bold statement saying children who are not vaccinated should not be allowed to attend school.  Public health expert Sir Sandy Macara feels that mothers should realize they have the responsibility to protect their children and advocates education on the benefits of vaccinations as opposed to a forced policy.

Parents have become increasingly skeptical of vaccines due to the increased risk of autism.  There is no scientific evidence supporting this claim as recent research has found that vaccines do not pose a health risk.  Both the US and the UK governments would like to see at least 95% of their children vaccinated, but both countries currently fall short of their goal.   Forced vaccination is not in the near future as the UK government states it has no plans to impose such regulations.  British Medical Association Chairman Dr. Hamish Meldrum finds the idea to be “Stalinist” and goes on to say that forcing parents to vaccinate their children is “morally and ethically dubious”.