U.S. facing serious measles outbreak; unvaccinated individuals at risk
In light of what appears to be the most serious outbreak of measles in the United States in the past decade, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz urged parents to ensure that their children have received measles vaccines to protect themselves and others. While no cases of measles have been confirmed in New York State, the outbreak has spread quickly in recent days, comprising nearly 100 confirmed cases across 14 states.
Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “It is imperative that parents get their children vaccinated against measles. Opting out of this vaccine puts your child, as well as others, at serious risk. Thanks to a highly effective vaccine and the efforts of countless medical professionals, the United States has successfully kept incidences of this dangerous, contagious disease at record lows over the past 15 years. However, with more and more parents opting out of giving their children this vaccine, measles appears to be on the rise again, with potentially devastating effects.”
“Officials in Arizona have already asked students who are not vaccinated to remain at home. I support this measure. No parent should have to worry about their child contracting a serious, potentially deadly disease at school, especially when an effective cure is readily available. I urge all parents to be responsible and do their part to prevent the spread of this serious disease by giving their children all recommended vaccines,” concluded Assemblyman Dinowitz.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children receive measles vaccinations at ages 1 and 4. For more information on measles outbreaks in the United States, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/measles/
