Immunization rates dropped in Britain following studies published in 1995 and 1998 that implicated measles vaccines. Dr. Robert L. Davis of the University of Washington, who led the new study, said he hopes the research will boost public confidence and help prevent measles outbreaks. We don't want parents failing to vaccinate their kids based on concerns that are unfounded. It is based on data on 574 people, born between 1958 and 1989, who belonged to four large health maintenance organizations. A total of 142 of those studied had inflammatory bowel disease, which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the large intestine.
Crohn's is a chronic disease that usually causes inflammation in the small intestine. The study was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Copyright 2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.