Guam boosts vaccine drive amid US measles outbreak

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Amid a significant measles outbreak in the U.S., the Department of Public Health and Social Services has ramped up its immunization campaign, reassuring parents that measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is “93 percent effective.”

“Residents should ensure that their children are up to date with the MMR vaccine,” reads the department’s public advisory, “Adults uncertain of their vaccination status should consult with healthcare providers.”

While Guam currently has zero measles cases, Public Health Director Theresa C. Arriola warned about the island’s “unique position as a transit point between the U.S. mainland and countries in Asia, where outbreaks are also occurring.”

The U.S. has reported 642 measles cases, with two deaths among school-aged children. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasizes the importance of vaccination, as the disease spreads primarily among unvaccinated individuals.

“We are not alarmed, but we are asking our community to take this seriously. Check your vaccination status, especially if you travel, work with the public, or care for children,” Arriola said.

Measles typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads across the body. Health officials advise those exhibiting symptoms to contact their healthcare provider before visiting medical facilities to prevent potential exposure to others.

While health officials reassured that the MMR vaccine is highly effective and safe, some parents and individuals express concerns about potential side effects, including fever, mild rash, and, in rare cases, febrile seizures or allergic reactions.

Others are still concerned about the long-debunked myth that the MMR vaccine can cause autism.

The autism theory stemmed from a 1998 paper published by Dr. Andrew Wakefield and his colleagues in the scientific journal Lancet, speculating that there might be a link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Lancet retracted the paper in 2010, acknowledging that Wakefield's report was riddled with several elements that “are incorrect, contrary to the findings of an earlier investigation.”

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