Measles and Mumps Outbreaks Reported in Some States; MMRs Urged
JACKSON, Tenn.-Measles and mumps break out in several states across the country, according to healthy officials. The Tennessee Department of Health encourages people to have their children vaccinated. The state requires kids to get their Measles-Mumps-Rubella shot, or MMR vaccine, if they attend daycare or go to school. Dr. Tarebiye Pela at Jackson Pediatric Center said measles and mumps are rare, but complications from the virus can be deadly. “A child could have really very bad pneumonia and can end up in the hospital or could have infection of the brain,” said Dr. Pela. “We‘re hoping more parents will see the need to get their kids immunized.” Kids typically get their first MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months and the second dose before Kindergarten.
