In Utah, Measles Sickens Babies and Others Who Can’t Be Vaccinated

A measles outbreak in Utah has sickened more than 670 people, including many children whose parents have chosen not to vaccinate them. But new data shows that people who can’t be vaccinated for various health reasons are also falling ill.

Since the outbreak began last summer, measles has infected 23 babies under age 1, the age when children typically receive the first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella shot. Twelve pregnant women have also been infected, including one who passed the virus on to her newborn, according to data from the state health department.

While the state keeps only limited data on the number of immunocompromised residents who have fallen ill, pediatric infectious disease doctors also say they have cared for several immunocompromised children hospitalized with measles infections.

These patients still represent a minority of the unvaccinated people who have been sickened. Still, these findings are concerning because many of the groups who can’t get the vaccine are also at high risk of developing severe complications from the virus. Pregnant women, for example, are 10 times more likely to die from measles than those who are not pregnant. The virus can also cause women to miscarry or go into labor prematurely.

Young children are more likely to suffer severe complications from the virus. And babies who contract measles before their first birthday are at much higher risk of developing a rare condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis that can occur years after an initial infection. Dr. Andrew Pavia, an pediatric infectious disease specialist in Utah, described the complication — which can cause seizures, motor issues and eventually death — as “one of the most horrible things I’ve witnessed.”

Health officials in the state have advised parents to consider an extra, early dose of the measles vaccine for babies between 6 and 11 months old because of the risks of infection.