MOULTRIE — During the 1950s, nearly every child developed measles, an easily spread virus known for causing a rash, fever, cough and watery eyes — and feared because it can also cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage or death. Today, thanks to childhood immunizations, the disease is extremely rare in the United States.

“Now most physicians leaving medical school will never see a case of measles during their careers,” Colquitt County Health Department County Nurse Manager Denise Linnenkohl said. “Because of the success of vaccines in preventing disease, American parents are often unaware that their children are at risk for so many serious and life-threatening diseases.”

Yet measles, along with mumps, whooping cough, polio, chickenpox, lockjaw, and a host of other infectious diseases still lurk abroad and in our country, Linnenkohl said.

“In today’s global society,” Linnenkohl said, “disease is only a plane ride away.”

Infants are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases, Southwest Health District Immunization Coordinator Sue Dale said.

“That’s why it is critical to protect them through immunization,” Dale said.

During National Infant Immunization Week, April 25 through May 2, Dale said Southwest Health District’s 14 county health departments will highlight the importance of protecting babies and young children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

“Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death,” Dale said. “They not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.”

Each day, Dale said, nearly 12,000 babies are born in the United States who will need to be immunized against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age 2.

“Immunizations are extremely safe,” Linnenkohl said. “Vaccines are thoroughly tested before being approved for public use and monitored carefully by doctors, researchers and public health officials. Like any other medication, they can occasionally cause mild reactions, like a sore arm or a slight fever. The benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh the risks.”

Plus, Linnenkohl said vaccines do more than prevent disease. They also reduce missed time at school and work and reduce costs associated with doctor visits and hospitalizations.

For more information about immunizations, contact the Colquitt County Health Department or go online to www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org.