Measles Outbreak Scares Moms

Are unvaccinated children to blame?

The U.S. is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 11 years with the infection of 127 people in 15 states, Reuters reports. The outbreak began when people became infected while traveling abroad. Upon their return to the U.S., they spread the disease to others, most of whom were not vaccinated.

The CDC has not received reports of any deaths in this outbreak--but affected regions include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wisconsin, Washington state, and Washington, D.C. Travelers were infected with the measles while visiting Switzerland, Israel, Belgium, Italy, India, Germany, China, Pakistan, Russia, and the Philippines.

With the rise of autism, some parents feel the innoculations are more dangerous than the illnesses they prevent, so they opt to skip them.

But Momlogic pediatrician Dr. Cara Natterson warns that this could make this measles outbreak turn into an epidemic. "The MMR vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles)," she says. "The main concern about measles is the risk of brain infection: it is estimated that up to 1 in 1000 children with measles will have this severe complication which can be fatal."

"All three of these illnesses--all caused by viruses--were once commonplace. Occasionally, there would be outbreaks when tens of thousands of people became infected. Epidemics of these diseases still occur in countries outside the US where the vaccine is not available. If enough people in this country choose to be unvaccinated, epidemics could return here as well."

Do you think unvaccinated children are to blame for this measles outbreak...and are these kids a risk?