Measles Vaccine Debate Brings Back Memories Of 1991 Philadelphia Outbreak
By David Spunt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The national debate on measles vaccines continues to intensify, and it brings up memories of a measles outbreak in Philadelphia 24 years ago this month.
Five children died after they contracted measles, in February 1991. The local outbreak centered around two religious schools. Faith Tabernacle School and First Century Gospel Church reportedly encouraged parents against vaccinating their children.
"A very dark day in the city's history," said former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell.
February 1991 brings back painful memories for Rendell who was running for mayor at the time. He says the city and country learned a valuable lesson from the Philadelphia outbreak.
"To try to convince people not to immunize their kids is just extraordinarily stupid," Rendell told Eyewitness News.
Rendell's point doesn't sit well with some local parents, including Honey Rinicella. She insists parents should be able to decide if they want to vaccinate their children.
"We're living in the United States of America," she said.
Rinicella believes her twin teenage boys have lifelong medical conditions due to their vaccinations and she refuses to let her daughter undergo any future vaccinations.
"I don't need to be going to jail because I'm protecting my kid's health and safety," she said.
Rinicella is part of a growing group of parents across the country questioning the benefits and joining the fight to let parents make family choices.
"There is no universal medicine," Rinicella said.
Rendell says he's worried history could repeat itself if children are not vaccinated.
"We as a society have got to adhere to science. Science exists for a reason," Rendell said.
For more on the measles virus, click here to visit the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/measles/
