JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. — Two more cases of the measles have been reported in the metro. Last month it was three people in Clay County, Mo. Now, it’s two more cases, but in Johnson County, Kan.
The information was released by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. State officials say an adult and child are the two infected.
The two are related according to state health officials and the child was old enough to be vaccinated, but wasn’t. More and more doctors are finding that’s the case with many vaccinations.
“There was a chance to prevent a disease using whatever tools we have, in this case a vaccine, why would we not use it? It’s completely preventable disease with vaccination,” said Dr. Steve Lauer.
It’s a valid argument coming from Dr. Lauer, a pediatrician with decades of experience. But it’s also an argument more and more parents are choosing not to believe.
“Of course we expect them to be checking things out, reading information, checking out anything that we are going to put into their child’s body they should be skeptical to begin with,” explained Dr. Lauer.
But Dr. Lauer is concerned because the skepticism goes further and people read and believe information he doesn’t believe is true.
“There’s no evidence of any long-term side effects of these, especially around the development delays or autism cases, that’s just all been debunked over and over again,” said Dr. Lauer.
Autism organizations and support groups would disagree. They believe there is a correlation between the two. FOX 4 contacted several on Friday, but none was available for an interview on the subject.
The Mayo Clinic says signs of Autism that appear at the same time certain vaccines are given, like the MMR, measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, but it’s simply a coincidence. Dr. Lauer agrees, but doesn’t dismiss the parents of his patients. He asks them to bring their concerns. He wants parents who are engaged and asking question and who want reassurance. He says it’s up to them, and hopes they make an informed decision.
“They should feel positive and good about this, the vaccines are tremendously successful and really changed the face of pediatrics and how we are able to treat patients,” he said.
Health officials say anyone who may have been in contact with the two new cases in Johnson County has been made aware of the situation, and there’s no threat to the general public.