However, three in 10 infants and toddlers are going without adequate childhood immunizations, leaving them at risk for life-threatening or disabling illnesses. In 1990, for example, almost 28,000 cases of measles were reported in the United States, and 89 children died. Unnecessary outbreaks of preventable childhood diseases must be eliminated. Children should have most of their vaccinations in their first two years. Waiting until they enter school may be too late.
Early symptoms are a sore throat, fever, and a grayish film in the throat.
It can make a person unable to breathe, cause paralysis or heart failure. About one out of every 10 people who get diphtheria dies of it. Only a few cases of diphtheria were reported in the United States during the past few years. This is mostly because people have had shots to protect them. It makes a person unable to open his or her mouth or swallow, and causes serious muscle spasms.