Measles:

Measles:

Crippler and Killer

• It’s time to stop thinking o1 measles as a slightly humorous childhood disease, says the American Medical Association.

Many people don’t realize two important things aboui measles: First, it’s a crippler anc killer. Measles strikes millions of children, but the ones left with deafness or menta: defects or encephalitis — or even the ones who dieseem to be forgotten by the public. Measles isn’t at all £ funny disease; it’s one whose tragedy isn’t fully realized

Second, measles could be eliminated as a major healtl threat. Some medical officials believe it could be eradicated in this country wit! in a year. There’s no doub that it should be. Several types of anti-measles vaccine are available. They are easily ac ministered by your physiciar and have been proven safe anc effective. M e a s 1 e s-susceptible chi: dren can be. immunized bj their family’s physician. The best time is when they are approximately one year old Older susceptible childrenthose who have neither hac measles nor been given mes sles vaccine--should be immunized as soon as possible particularly if they are o school age.

In some communities, anc in the states of Rhode Islanc and Delaware, measles has been practically eliminated b} concerted, areawide immuni: ation campaigns. Such campaigns have beer endorsed by the AMA's Cour cil on Environmental and Pul lie Health, but their organize tion requires the counsel o: the local medical society anc close coperation by the community’s civic, education, anc health organizations. Loca! physicians are in a positior to determine the best way tc conduct an immunization cam paign in this community. The most important step is to ensure that your own children are protected from measles. If they have not beer immunized, have it done now.