Measles Epidemic Worsens

A 2-year-old measles epidemic worsened during 1989 with more than 1,100 cases in Los Angeles County, health officials said, and 60% of those affected were Latino preschool children.

For a variety of reasons, large numbers of Latino children are not being vaccinated against the measles virus, and they account for a disproportionate percentage of the 1,120 cases reported in 1989. The figure is more than double the 513 cases in 1988.

The outbreak also is being recorded in adjacent counties. In Orange County, more than 50% of 386 measles cases in 1989 were non-immunized Latinos.

Medical authorities said they are trying to get the word out to parents of Latino children to have them vaccinated when they are a year old. The vaccine, which grants lifetime immunization, is available free at county health care clinics.

Measles can strike adults but is more common among children. This communicable illness can cause dehydration, pneumonia and, in rare cases, death.

Paul Frederick, an epidemiologist at the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, said 14 people died from measles complications in the county in 1989, including a 1-month-old, a 4-month-old, a 7-month-old and a 2-year-old.

Most Latino children do not attend licensed day-care centers, where they would be required to show proof of vaccination.

Chuck Alexander, a county public health adviser, added that poor families may be trying to address basic needs and putting off health care protection.

Adrian Ortega, director of the Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Center, pointed out that low-income families also often have transportation problems.

“Even when we have free clinics and advertise, people are reluctant to come,” he added.

But Frederick stressed the lack of knowledge about the importance and availability of immunizations. Frederick said services also must be improved. “Sometimes these people are being turned away (because) we need more nurses,” he said.

Parents who have not had their children vaccinated should call their doctor or a public health clinic. In Los Angeles County, call (213) 974-7937 for the address of the nearest clinic. In Orange County, call (714) 834-8444.

“Documented or undocumented, we give the vaccine to everybody,” Ortega said.