Low Vaccination rates
At the start of 1989 the measles outbreaks sickened 55,000 Americans, killing 123. Of all of the cities that suffered the outbreaks, Philadelphia was hit hardest. Many outbreaks were centered in areas where immunization levels were low. Immunization levels were low because there were a number of adults or parents that did not give their child the MMR vaccine. because of this many children were infected and in turn infected the adults which caused epidemic. Another reason that measles were able to spread was because the symptoms were easily confused with the common cold, and parents did not feel that it would be necessary to receive treatment for something as simple as a cold. the closest thing to a cure for the measles was the MMR vaccine which people were neglecting to receive which caused 90% of the population to be exposed and of that 90% exposed 5% were children.
"National Museum of Health and Medicine ." TO BIND UP THE NATION'S WOUNDS TRAUMA AND SURGERY. National Museum of Health and Medicine, nd. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. <http://www.medicalmuseum.mil/index.cfm?p=exhibits.nationswounds.page_02>.
"National Museum of Health and Medicine ." TO BIND UP THE NATION'S WOUNDS TRAUMA AND SURGERY. National Museum of Health and Medicine, nd. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. <http://www.medicalmuseum.mil/index.cfm?p=exhibits.nationswounds.page_02>.