Overseas Measles Outbreaks Prompt Warning

The NYC Health Department issued a warning recommending residents get measles vaccines before traveling overseas. There are currently measles outbreaks in Israel and Switzerland, and others have occurred in other parts of Europe.

Assistant Commissioner for Immunization Dr. Jane Zucker said, “Vaccinations are the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and others, whether you are traveling to Europe or to a developing country. If you’re traveling to or returning from Israel for the approaching Passover holiday, be sure you’ve had your shots.”

According to the NY Sun, there have been 10 measles cases in the city so far this year. Though the number is double that of 2007, the city doesn't consider it an outbreak. But all the cases have been in Brooklyn and "were linked to overseas travel," mostly people bringing measles in. In one case, the Sun reports, "an Israeli baby with measles traveled to New York for a relative's wedding in Brooklyn."

While 94% of NYC children are vaccinated, there have been concerns about a possible link between childhood vaccines and autism. The Center for Disease Control does not believe there is a link and offers this fact sheet.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on April 9, 2008 9:24 AM

Comments [rss]

goldmund

That ABC news article is a mess, as is most of the reporting on this supposed autism-vaccine link.

"Jon Poling reiterated his view that a mercury-containing ingredient called thimerosal was reponsible for his daughter's condition"

The whole argument people make is that autism cases are increasing, yet Thimerosal hasn't been in vaccines for 7 or so years now. Yet there has been no decline in autism cases. So, it sure looks like Thimerosal wasn't a cause. Of course, now you have people trying to find something else in vaccines to blame.

That said, even if you believe Thimerosal is a problem, it hasn't been in vaccines for 7 years, so get your kids vaccinated please.

This whole debate has nothing to do with science, and is being driven by emotional parents who are looking for someone to blame. I can understand that, but it's really unfortunate as it means a lot of kids getting diseases they could have avoided.

Pharmer

Godd..get vaccinated. Your child isn't going to get autism but he will die if he gets measles.

It would be very bad if the herd immunity to measles breaks.