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Identifying infectious diseases may become more difficult
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NEW YORK CITY – It may become more difficult to recognize and identify infectious diseases as vaccines become more widely used, according to a recent presentation.
At the 23rd Annual Infectious Diseases in Children Symposium, Anne A. Gershon, MD, professor of pediatrics, director of the division of pediatric infectious disease, at Columbia University Medical Center, in New York City, presented a discussion on vaccine preventable diseases and the potentially increasing difficulty recognizing these diseases.
Gershon presented several cases in the context of how to properly identify vaccine preventable diseases, including varicella, zoster, pertussis, mumps and measles. Gershon cited data showing certain infectious diseases, such as zoster for example, may increase in the unvaccinated population.
She emphasized the importance of recognizing these vaccine preventable diseases and the significance of realizing that breakthrough infections occurring in children may be mild and less contagious than the natural infections, and may be of little consequence.
“When waning immunity and decreased vaccine use in populations intersect, severe infections may result, particularly if these infections go undiagnosed and untreated, which may lead to increased transmission,” Gershon said during a presentation.
She added that the public should fully appreciate the consequences of not vaccinating themselves and their children. - by Christen Cona
For more information:
- Gershon AA. Would you know one if (or when) you see it?. Presented at: the 23rd Annual Infectious Diseases in Children Symposium; Nov. 20-21, 2010; New York City.
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