Health Officials Warn Parents Against Measles Parties

Measles cases continue to rise in Texas, and some health officials are concerned that parents may be hosting “measles parties” with the intent of infecting their children. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world. “There are severe outcomes like pneumonia or death. There is encephalitis or inflammation of the brain,” Ron Cook, chief health officer at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, said. “It’s not good to go have measles parties…let me discourage you from doing this.” In response to this outbreak, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has implored parents to consider vaccination. “Parents play a pivotal role in safeguarding their children’s health. All parents should consult with their healthcare providers to understand their options to get the MMR vaccine,” Kennedy said. (Global News)