Two patients have died from measles in Pennsylvania. One was a newborn infant, too young to receive the vaccine. And just because RFK Jr and his minions have ignored the findings in these two cases, we now have two deaths that were preventable. Unfortunately, people around them were not immunized, putting the child at risk. This highlights how important it is for everyone to receive routine immunizations — to protect those who are too young to receive the vaccine. With 393 reported cases in Pennsylvania, this puts the mortality rate at 1 in 200 which is significantly less than the 1 in 1000 cases that we have experienced in the past.
Cases of measles are now climbing to close to 3000, over 20% more than the total cases seen all of last year. We are also seeing cases rise in central New York. 28 cases have been reported outside of NYC. Over the past week, six cases have been reported in upstate NY. Two cases each in Jefferson, Steuben and Ontario Counties.There are probably more cases that go unreported. We have been monitoring the spread of measles and now believe that it is wise to administer the second dose of MMR as soon as possible (28 days after the first dose). Although the first dose is extremely protective (93% coverage), the second dose increases that to 97-98% coverage (for children who do not develop adequate immunity with the first dose).
It is unfathomable to think that a disease that was almost eradicated in the US in 2000, is now at levels not seen since 1991 and responsible for 5 preventable deaths in the last 2 years. The rate of immunization for measles in kindergarten children has decreased substantially with the average immunization rate in NY state at 80.9% which is substantially lower than the 95% to maintain herd immunity. Why do our leaders keep telling us that measles is nothing to worry about?
And, I hate to be repetitive, but just because these same people believe that if they say something (no matter have false it is) often enough, it is true. Look at their social messaging, the rhetoric reminds of taunts by the grade school bullies. Come on, how can you take anything they say as vaild. It is important to follow the science and the recommendations of experts who actually went to medical school. Vaccines save lives!
We have stocked up on MMR vaccine so if you have a child between the ages of 13 months and 4 years who has not received a second MMR, please consider getting it earlier.
We at Lewis Pediatrics want to do what is best for our patients. Thanks for listening and, more importantly, thanks for entrusting us with the health care of your children.