OHIO MEASLES OUTBREAK RAISES IMMUNIZATION CONCERNS IN WEST VIRGINIA

(06/23/2014)

The measles outbreak in Ohio now grown to 341 cases in nine counties, with eight hospitalizations reported. Ohio health officials say it is the largest measles outbreak in the U.S. since 1994. West Virginia health officials are concerned about all children getting immunizations. Measles is caused by a virus. Symptoms include fevers, coughs, rashes and pink eye. Ohio health officials also are grappling with a rare outbreak of mumps, which this week reached 427 cases across three central Ohio counties. West Virginia is near the top of the nation when it comes to kids and their vaccines. The immunization number for children entering kindergarten is at 96 percent in WV, but for the newborn to 4-year-old population the rate drops to 61 percent. The national average is 68 percent. Some children are left un-immunized (as babies) and susceptible to some preventable diseases. Currently there are 14 serious childhood vaccine-preventable diseases: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Influenza, Measles, Rotavirus, Haemophilus Influenza type B, Tetanus, Mumps, Pertussis, Pneumococcal Polio, Rubella and Chickenpox.

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