Measles Outbreaks Worry Local Health Officials

There are currently no active polls at this time.
Click here to view other polls on our site and past poll results.

Save

Posted: 12:27 PM Aug 22, 2008
Last Updated: 6:39 PM Aug 22, 2008
Reporter: Stephanie Ross
Email Address: sross@kktv.com

0 comments

A | A | A

The number of people infected by measles is on the rise for the first time in many years.

131 cases have already been reported this year nationwide. That represents the highest number of cases since 1996.

The El Paso County Health Department is urging more parent to have their children vaccinated against the disease.

Only 85% of children are vaccinated in El Paso County. That number should be at 95% to protect the community from contracting the disease.

"Our concern at the health department is that if we introduce measles into our schools in El Paso County, it has the potential to spread to a large number of people," said Dr. Bernadette Albanese with the El Paso County Health Department.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children get two doses of the MMR vaccine.

The first dose should be given between the ages of 12 and 15 months.
Kids should receive their second dose of the vaccine before they start kindergarten.

For more information from the El Paso County Health Department, click on the link below.

Related Links

Health Department Measles News Release

More Stories
Genetic Link for Picky Eating

Insurers Make Pitch For Health Coverage Mandate

Daschle To Oversee Obama's Health Transition Team

30-Day Age Limit For NE Safe-Haven Law Advances

Baby First Coloradoan Hospitalized For Flu This Season

Report: Colorado Obesity Rate Doubled Since '95

Study: Brain Stimulation May Ease Anxiety Disorder

Study: Deadly Stomach Bug More Common Than Thought

11 for Health Links
	Arthritis Foundation The Arthritis Foundation helps people take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.
	American Diabetes Association The mission of the American Diabetes Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
	Peak Vista Community Health Centers Peak Vista is a nonprofit health center dedicated to medical and dental service of persons of all ages, cultures and economic backgrounds in the Pikes Peak region through eleven outpatient primary medical clinics and a dental clinic.
	March of Dimes The March of Dimes is dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
	El Paso County Health Department Log onto the El Paso County Department of Health & Environment Web Site to get information on programs and services. Watch KKTV 11 News This Morning on Tuesdays for important health news and information.
	American Heart Association The American Heart Association supports research, education, and community programs leading the fight against America’s No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease.