I thought we dodged the bullet this year in the US–no measles outbreaks like in 2008.
Then I read the Baby411 blog. Today’s post:
Several states are reporting measles outbreaks across the country this week, but particularly on the East Coast.
The following states are reporting confirmed cases of measles:
Iowa
Pennsylvania
Washington DC
Maryland
Virginia
So far, six cases in the Washington DC area, for example.
A very valid question is, “why bring this up on an autism blog?” Unfortunately, the autism community is tied to the measles vaccine scare. So, yes, I hang some of the responsibility for this outbreak on Dr. Wakefield for his terribly flawed research.
I also hang responsibility on Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey. Jenny McCarthy has been promoting her organization’s “alternative” vaccine schedule that gives no coverage for measles.
Here’s a quote from their “alternative”schedule:
One should avoid vaccines that contain live viruses. This includes the combined measles.mups and rubella vaccines…
Just today, her partner, Jim Carrey in a blog post denied this:
We have never argued that people shouldn’t be immunized for the most serious threats including measles and polio
Sorry, Jim, you can’t have it both ways.
Let’s hope this outbreak stays small.
Left Brain Right Brain 
Fingers crossed it gets no worse. But if it doesn’t, it won’t be because of McCarthy and Carrey, it will be despite them.
Just before my first was born, a lady down the street from us lost one to measles. People forget that measles really can kill, especially small children.
Right now, being in Virginia, we’re just hoping it gets no closer. With the commuter train, though, its probably a matter of time.