Measles outbreak concerns local medical professionals

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.-A virus thought to have been eliminated from the United States is back with a vengeance.

There have been more than 700 cases of measles since January, found in 22 states. A large majority of those affected are people who have never been vaccinated.

A cough or a sneeze could mean exposure to the highly contagious virus that has no cure. Kentucky has not been immune to the latest measles outbreak. Two cases have been reported so far.

“As health care providers to look for signs of measles we like to remember the three C’s; cough, conjunctivitis and a stuffy nose or runny nose,” said Dr. Chase Beliles, Family Practitioner at Graves Gilbert Clinic.

Medical professionals say the vaccine is the only defense against measles.

“There really is no treatment. We just have to hope that your immune system works through the virus. We can give you fluids and medicines to help you deal with the infection, but there is no treatment that’s why the vaccine is so important,” said Beliles.

In 2000 the U.S. announced that measles was eradicated, but now it’s back and medical professionals are concerned it’s because people are not vaccinating their children.

“I have met five families who declined vaccination. The last family I was quite surprised, because people come up with stories like MMR causes Autism or the vaccine has chemical aluminum in it,” said Dr. Suman Shekar of Medical Center Primary Care.

Those opposed to the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine link it to autism and other illnesses.

“This autism and MMR link came about when one of the doctors in the U.K. did this fake study. He did a fake study and associated the MMR vaccine to autism, which is not true at all. People need to believe in their doctors,” said Shekar.

The measles outbreak in 2011 cost the state public health departments more $2 million.