Arizona Measles Outbreak Highlights Importance of Vaccines

Governor Napolitano Proclaims April 19-26 Infant Immunization Awareness Week in Arizona

April 14, 2008 -- Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and state and local health officials are stressing the importance of immunizations in light of a measles outbreak in Pima County.

Vaccination: Photo by Belinda Hankins Miller (CC)

"This outbreak shows that we can’t let our guard down. Forgotten diseases like measles and polio are still out there, and that’s why it’s important to make sure vaccinations are up to date," the Governor said. "Immunizations are a very safe and effective way to keep Arizona’s children safe, healthy and in school."

Governor Napolitano has declared April 19-26 as Infant Immunization Awareness Week, encouraging "public and private health care providers, parents and children’s caregivers in the state to advance the health of children by ensuring early and on-time immunization against vaccine preventable childhood diseases."

There are 11 confirmed cases of measles in Pima County. Six are children; the rest are adults. All were previously unvaccinated. While the outbreak has been centered in Tucson, health care providers need to be on the lookout for measles in other counties and in other states.

The Arizona Department of Health Services is working with Pima County, health care facilities and CDC to stop the spread of the outbreak. Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease. Prior to measles vaccination in 1963, there were approximately 500,000 reported cases and about 500 deaths a year in the United States.

"Immunizations are one of the most important ways parents can protect their children against childhood diseases like measles," said Dr. Karen Lewis, ADHS Medical Director.

For more information, go to www.azdhs.gov or call the State’s public health hotline at 1-800-314-9243.

Source: Arizona Governor

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