Anti-vaccine activists contributing to measles outbreaks around the U.S.

by Arturo Garcia

Outbreaks of measles, a disease once considered practically dormant, are on the rise once again, in part because of the spread of anti-vaccine activism, Think Progress reported on Friday.
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A report released last year by the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that measles cases were recorded at a 20-year high, with 80 percent of the victims being people who did not get receive the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine. Many of those who fell ill said they did not get the vaccine because of "philosophical differences."
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WABC-TV reported earlier this week that at least five people have been hospitalized due to measles in New York City. In two of the cases, the disease was reportedly transmitted inside a doctor's office. Officials in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Texas have also reported measles cases.
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On Thursday, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and his wife, reality television star Kristin Cavallari, told Fox News that they oppose vaccination.
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"I've read too many books about autism and the studies," Cavallari was quoted as saying, citing an argument long held by another celebrity vaccination opponent, actress Jenny McCarthy.

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However, a University of Chicago expert, Dr. Kenneth Alexander contested Cavallari's argument, noting to the Chicago Tribune that the theory that autism was a result of vaccination had been debunked.
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"Her words are dangerous, will result in the under-immunization of children, and an increase in morbidity and mortality due to vaccine preventable diseases," Alexander was quoted as saying

 The anti-vaccine stupidity is spreading and it's hurting others