7 Healthcast: Measles

One hundred and thirty-one cases of measles have been reported in the U.S. this year, the highest rate since 1996.  Fifteen patients had to be hospitalized as a result. Health experts are concerned about the reason behind the spike.

Dr. Mark Pasternack, Chief of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases at MGH
"Virtually all are import related."

Meaning visitors traveled to the US and became ill.

In several instances, a few imported cases were triggered in children whose parents chose not to have them vaccinated for ethical and religious purposes, or due to the fear that the vaccine will cause autism.
 
Dr. Mark Pasternack, Chief of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases at MGH
"When there is an emotional fear of vaccines, parents omit vaccines for their children and this creates susceptible infants and children for a disease that's extraordinarily contagious."

Dr. Mark Pasternack is the Chief of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases at Mass General Hospital and says there is absolutely no merit to these claims.

Dr. Mark Pasternack, Chief of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases at MGH.
"There's no credible evidence that the administration of the measles vaccine produces Autism or any other vaccine for that matter."
 
Experts said measles is one of the first illnesses to appear when vaccine coverage rates fall, and they are concerned this could lead to large-scale outbreaks.

Dr. Mark Pasternack, Chief of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases at MGH
"I think we have to be very attentive to immunization and protect our children."

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