Childhood Disease’s Becoming Common in Adults

The risk of childhood diseases now includes adults.

The Centers for Disease Control report there has been a spike in measles cases. Since January 1st to November 29th there has been 610 cases reported in 24 states The Public Health Nurse Immunization Coordinator at the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department, Jamie Heinzman says these outbreaks can be linked to low immunization rates in adults who were born before 1957.

"So, for the older adults, that’s why they have the recommendation at 1956 or 57, if you were born before that time you were considered to be exposed to those diseases as a child. So, if you don’t know if you were exposed to those diseases as a child, it would not hurt to go get vaccinated. I actually behoove them to go get vaccinated at that point. "

Heinzman says vaccinations not only protect the individual, but they also protect the entire community.

"To see a decrease in these diseases, would be an increase in immunization. "

You can get vaccinated by calling your doctor or by scheduling an appointment at your health department.