An unvaccinated Texas child died of measles for the first time in a decade, the first time in the US.
WASHINGTON – Pediatricians across the country are concerned about the ongoing outbreak of measles in Texas. The state reported that an unvaccinated child died from the virus. It is the first reported death in the state in a growing outbreak.
Back at home in the DMV area, the pediatrician is making a statement by parents to keep their guard down.
“As a doctor, I’m always sad and frustrated to hear of a vaccine-protectable outbreak,” said Dr. Jessica Weisse, a pediatrician at National Primary Care for Children.
Anyone can get measles, but doctors say that children are at the highest risk of complications. Especially children who have not been vaccinated. Measles is largely eradicated in the US due to high vaccination rates. However, this is not the case around the world.
“If someone travels and gets exposed and comes back to that community, then in a community that doesn’t have a high vaccination rate, it’s exactly that kind of contagious disease that spreads locally if there’s not enough people who get that vaccine,” Dr. Wise said.
Dr. Wise says the outbreak has further motivated her and other local doctors to make sure the family is up to date with measles vaccinations.
“Vaccinations are the best way to prevent complications from serious illnesses. We are very fortunate and they worked very well, but we can’t be wary because we don’t get close when it’s really very close,” Dr. Wise said.
Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by measles rash. The doctor says by the time you see the rash you are already very contagious.
This outbreak comes as new health and human services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. repeatedly questioned the science behind the vaccine and shared anti-vaccine rhetoric. Kennedy was asked about the outbreak of measles at President Trump’s first cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
“We’re watching that. We’ve posted it yesterday and we’re going to continue with it,” Kennedy said.
Experts say it’s important to talk to your pediatrician if you have questions about vaccinations. There are also online resources to help you answer some questions and hesitations.
