City Health Commissioner Discusses Importance Of Measles Vaccinations

BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ)--On Wednesday, Baltimore's health commissioner issued an important message for parents across the city about the nationwide measles outbreak.

Marcus Washington was at the briefing and has the details.

Inside City Hall Wednesday night Baltimore City Health Commissioner sent a strong message concerning measles.

"This is a wake up call. I can not emphasize enough the importance of childhood vaccinations," said Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore City Health Commissioner.

Measles one of the most contagious infections in the world hitting getting closer to Baltimore. With two measles cases just confirmed in Washington D.C. and Delaware and an affected college student who boarded an Amtrak train in New York.

"We in Baltimore City, we in Maryland are not an island. The outbreak of measles can easily affect us. Actually last week we had a possible case a measles that turned out to be not to be measles after all," said Wen.

While Maryland has a 99% vaccination rate it only takes a small window to allow the disease to attack.

"It happens because there are more unvaccinated individuals in our population now than unfortunately there was a decade ago," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, Delaware Public Health Director.

The Rotters in Baltimore are just one of many families who have chosen not vaccinate their three children ages five, three, and 11 months--even in light of the recent measles outbreak.

"It may cover up symptoms, but I believe that the body was designed to be able to thrive on its own," said Mrs. Rotter.

The Rotters count on healthy living and proper living to fight off diseases, not vaccinations.

"I would venture to say that they have made a difference perhaps with some, but for the majority I don't believe they have," said Rotter.

But experts blame the recent spike in measles cases in unvaccinated kids at Disneyland. Now, spreading throughout the country, more than 100 cases in 14 states--which is why health officials here and across the country want everyone to get vaccinated.

"If you're not vaccinated and you're near somebody who's contagious, you have a 90 percent chance of becoming infected," said Rattay.

Dr. Wen says anyone interested in the vaccination or getting a boost shot there is enough of the vaccine at the City Health Department.

Many parents of children who are medically unable to get the vaccine, say they want laws enforcing all children who can get vaccinated.. to do so.