Pertussis outbreaks in groups claiming religious exemptions to vaccinations
P. Etkind, S. M. Lett, P. D. Macdonald, E. Silva and J. Peppe
Division of Epidemiology, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Jamaica Plain 02130-3597.
Four recent outbreaks of pertussis in Massachusetts illustrate some
features that contribute to the increased incidence of the disease. The
outbreaks involved unimmunized groups of children with philosophical or
religious exemptions from school or day-care immunization requirements and
children and adults who were reluctant to undergo antibiotic prophylaxis or
therapy. Parents and physicians should be aware that failure to immunize
and to cooperate in follow-up preventive measures can have public health
and potential medicolegal repercussions.
