U.S. Surgeon General in SWFL, speaks on measles outbreak

FORT MYERS, Fla.- U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthey met with people at Gulf Coast Hospital, and concerns about the measles was a hot topic.

“This year alone, we’ve had over 100 cases in 14 states,” said Murthey. “I want to be very clear, I am concerned about this measles outbreak, especially because this is something that could have been prevented.”

Murthey’s best advice is to get vaccinated.

“My message to moms and dads out there, is to please, please, please vaccinate your children,” said Murthey.

But, Murthey adds he does understand certain concerns.

“I understand the instinct some parents might have to wonder about the rumors they are hearing.”

Murthey says, the rumors are simply not true.

“When it comes to the measles vaccine, the science is very clear. It’s clear, one, that the measles vaccine is very effective. Two, that there are no long term adverse effects from the measles vaccine. Specifically, there is no link that has been found between the measles vaccine and autism.”