ABSTRACT
In the past decade, many infectious diseases in children that were perceived to have been almost eliminated have returned with a vengeance in Texas. Across the state, vaccination rates are exceptionally low, and outbreaks of measles, mumps, and pertussis have been identified. Tuberculosis cases in children increased 77%, and cases of congenital syphilis increased 578% between 1987 and 1991. The new epidemic of HIV infection has placed additional strain on an already overburdened, inadequate public health system in Texas. This article identifies some of the major infections of public health significance among the children of Texas. A common theme for most of these problems is that they are preventable diseases that are not being prevented. Many children in Texas will suffer now and in the future if these public health problems remain ignored.
Subject(s)
Health Services Needs and Demand , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Automobile Driving , Child , Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration , Delivery of Health Care/standards , Ethnicity , Female , Health Education , Health Promotion , Humans , Male , Pregnancy , Pregnancy in Adolescence , Risk-Taking , Substance-Related Disorders/prevention & control , Texas , United States , ViolenceABSTRACT
In the past decade, immunization rates among preschool-age children in the United States have decreased to levels lower than those in many developing countries. As a result, epidemics of vaccine-preventable diseases have occurred, especially in urban areas. Six of the infections prevented by immunization--those caused by Bordetella pertussis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type B, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, measles virus, and influenza virus--frequently cause respiratory tract disease. Pneumonia in children may have subtle presentations and require special considerations depending on the age and condition of the child and the current rate of disease in the community. In addition to the epidemics occurring throughout the country, the growing number of immunocompromised children has also influenced diagnostic, treatment, and prevention considerations. These patients include children with cancer, organ transplants, congenital immune disorders, sickle cell disease, human immunodeficiency virus infection, as well as other disorders that lead to increased risk of infection. The current recommendations for routine and special childhood immunizations are reviewed in this article.
