Measles Outbreak Fails To Move Vaccine Opponents
As of late last week, 78 cases of the illness had been reported in seven states and Mexico.
Los Angeles Times:
Parents Who Oppose Measles Vaccine Hold Firm To Their Beliefs
Measles can be especially severe in babies, toddlers and pregnant women, as well as other adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Especially vulnerable are infants younger than 12 months, before they get their first dose of the vaccine known as MMR — for measles, mumps and rubella. But a growing anti-vaccination movement in the United States has been fueled by parents' fears that vaccines are not safe for every child. Like Monahan, some worry that the measles vaccine causes autism — a theory that has been thoroughly discredited by numerous scientific studies. In the face of the state's worst measles outbreak in 15 years, many of those aligned with the anti-vaccine movement remain unbowed. (Foxhall, 1/25)
Los Angeles Times:
California Measles Outbreak Expands To 78 Cases; More Likely
The measles outbreak centered in California continues to expand, with officials now confirming 78 cases of the illness in seven states and Mexico. The California Department of Public Health said there are now 68 cases in the state – 48 that have been directly linked to being at Disneyland or Disney California Adventure last month. Some people also visited one or both of the parks while infectious in January. (Xia and Lin, 1/23)
In other public health news -
Los Angeles Times:
What Do Health Experts See In Our Near Future?
What's in store for your health in the next five years? Doctors, authors, researchers and more weigh in. A sharp-eyed 20/20 look at healthcare changes by 2020. We asked some experts what they see ahead for our health — perhaps in the next year and then in five years. (1/23)