Are you sure you want to skip childhood vaccinations? Because in at least seven states, federal officials are expecting more cases than ever in 2008 thanks to several measles outbreaks around the country.
The numbers, according to the NY Times:
There were 64 cases from January through April 25, more than in all of
2006 and the highest number during that four-month period since 2001.
None have yet proved fatal, but officials said they expected the total
to keep rising.
Fourteen patients, or 22 percent, have been hospitalized, mostly for pneumonia.
How bad could measles be? After all, an invite to a measles party is a rather coveted thing in some areas. (Want a lick my lollipop?) Worldwide, measles kills about 242,000 each year. Sure, those deaths are likely in countries where they couldn't get treatment for the side effects.
Still, who wants to be this mom? In Washington State, eight siblings came down with measles -- three of them getting pneumonia -- after attending an international religious conference. Also, one baby caught measles at the doctors office, where she went for her measles shot.
What do you think? Worth the risk in skipping the measles shot?
Photo: dermatology.about.com
