American Notes DISEASES

Measles was once a disease that just about every child was expected to catch, but since mass immunization began in 1963 it has been practically forgotten. Still, from time to time, small outbreaks continue to paint medical maps with red spots like those of the disease itself. Since last November 1,500 cases have been reported in the Houston area alone, vs. 2,900 in the entire nation all last year. New Jersey last week declared a medical emergency in five counties; 36 cases had come to light in the previous two weeks, and authorities expect "hundreds" more.

There are occasional outbreaks on college campuses, recently including North Carolina State at Raleigh, Siena and C.W. Post colleges in New York, Bradley University in Illinois, Kent State in Ohio and Texas Tech in Lubbock. The probable reason: students received vaccine made before 1980, when a lack of stabilizing ingredients sometimes caused vaccine to lose its potency.

But most cases result because parents delay vaccination of their children, recommended at 15 months, until they are ready for school and need a certificate of vaccination. The National Association of Children's Hospitals reports that only 60% of children under the age of 4 receive the shots. Yet the increasing use of day care brings children together earlier and increases the need for protection.

There is another unproven theory about the increase: that the disease, which is spreading among Hispanics, is being carried by immigrants from countries where vaccination requirements are lax.