Measles outbreaks warn of Cleveland clinic

CLEVELAND – The CDC tracks five measles outbreaks from coast to coast, with a total of 10 states reporting cases.

Now, the director of the Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the Cleveland Clinic says it's only a matter of time before Ohio joins the list.

"Wherever there are cultures of children susceptible to measles and measles, it is so contagious," said Dr. Camille Sabella.

In 2014, the United States experienced 23 measles outbreaks. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 400 cases have occurred primarily among unimmunized Amish Ohio communities. Dr. Sabella said that measles had an infection rate of 90% among close contacts.

There is growing concern that this may reoccur, given the status of Ohio among the dozens of states that allow parents to evade compulsory childhood immunization because of their personal convictions.

The highly contagious infection spreads through coughing and sneezing, according to the CDC. The infection usually starts with a high fever, a cough, a runny nose and red, watery eyes. A few days after the onset of symptoms, small white spots may appear in the mouth.

"Measles presents real complications," said Dr. Sabella. "The vaccine has only theoretical complications – the vaccine is really proven to be extremely safe and very effective."

Dr. John Cullen, President of the American Academy of Family Physicians, issued the following statement:

"Vaccines are safe, effective and save lives.Science has shown that there is no link between vaccines and autism.With every epidemic of preventable infectious disease, the doctors family and our colleagues in the medical community are fighting for public safety and fighting this scourge – the damage that false news has triggered. "

According to Dr. Sabella, children should receive their first vaccination against measles at the age of 2 years and a second dose before starting school.

The governor of Washington said the state of emergency because of the number of confirmed measles cases. The CDC ranks Washington among the five regions of the country currently experiencing an epidemic.