Vaccines most effective way to combat diseases
Staff reporter
With recent outbreaks of mumps in Kansas and now cases of measles in Harvey County, residents are wondering, "Why now and why these viruses?"
Diedre Serene, Marion County Public Health Administrator, explained that these childhood viruses are spreading because some people are not immune to the illnesses.
"Immunizations (from vaccines) are 90 percent effective," said Serene.
Another reason for the "sudden" outbreak is some people, especially those born after 1957, have never been exposed to the illnesses.
"People born before 1957 should have a natural immunity," said Serene, "because when they were young, they were exposed to these diseases."
So those born after 1957 do not have the natural immunization.
Another reason is there was publicity a number of years ago that the MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) vaccine caused autism.
"Some people opted not to get the shots or have the shots administered to their children," Serene said.
The majority of Marion County residents are up-to-date with the recommended MMR vaccine of two times in a lifetime — at 12 to 15 months and four to six years of age.
The contents of the MMR vaccine has not changed but the strains of "wild" mumps and measles have, said Serene.
"The best prevention is to vaccinate," she said. Those born before 1957 who should have a natural immunity can receive a vaccine if desired.
Schools within the state require children to receive the vaccine before attending school. Some children are not vaccinated, typically for religious reasons.
"If a student is in close contact with someone with mumps and hasn't had the shot, he/she should stay home for 25 days from the onset," said Serene.
Common sense is to wash hands and don't share drinking and eating utensils.
As of Tuesday, Kansas Department of Health & Environment reported 487 cases of mumps in 49 counties. An additional 89 patients are being investigated by local health departments with potential symptoms of mumps.
The majority of the cases remain in Douglas County with 209. Other counties with reported cases are: Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Barton, Bourbon, Butler, Chase, Clay, Cowley, Crawford, Dickinson, Ellis, Finney, Franklin, Geary, Gove, Grant, Greenwood, Harvey, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Labette, Leavenworth, Lyon, Marshall, McPherson, Miami, Mitchell, Montgomery, Nemaha, Norton, Osage, Phillips, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Reno, Riley, Rooks, Saline, Scott, Sedgwick, Seward, Shawnee, Sheridan, Thomas, Wabaunsee, and Wyandotte.
Serene said there have not been any cases reported thus far in Marion County.
The only reported cases of measles in the state are in Harvey County where four cases have been confirmed. All of the cases are in people under the age of 21.
