February 9, 2001. Copyright 2001. Graphic News. All rights reserved.

VACCINE ÒCLEAREDÓ OF AUTISM LINK

LONDON, February 9, Graphic News: THE apparent soaring rate of autism in recent years is almost certainly not related to the introduction of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to a report in the British Medical Journal. 

One of the strongest arguments linking the jab to autism  -- the life-long disability which affects the development of communication, social and life skills -- has been that the number of diagnoses has spiralled upwards since 1988 when the MMR vaccine was introduced.

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine used the UK general practice research database (GPRD) to estimate the incidence rate of newly diagnosed autism among 305 children aged 12 years or younger during the years 1988-1999.

While the risk of autism among children aged five years or younger increased nearly four-fold, from 8 cases per 10 000 children in 1988 to 29 per 10, 000 in 1993, the prevalence of MMR vaccination was virtually constant. Among children aged under 12 years the number of cases increased seven-fold.

ÒThe correlation does not indicate that MMR is causing autismÓ said Dr Hershel Jick, a co-author of the research. ÒWe have no idea know whatÕs causing it, but it isnÕt MMR.Ó

Put simply, the number of cases has continued to rise even though MMR coverage has remained roughly the same. If MMR was the cause of illness, say the researchers, the number of autism diagnoses would also have levelled off by now.

About five people in 10,000 have autism. In the UK as many as 56 in 10,000 people are estimated to be affected by some form of autism which includes Asperger syndrome. 

The condition affects four times as many boys as girls, and is found among all races, nationalities and social classes.

There is some biological evidence which seems to link the presence of measles virus in the gut with autism, and some scientists have suspected that the delivery of more than one vaccine virus at once may be creating a risk. 

The report could provide ammunition for the governmentÕs £3 million publicity campaign which aims to reassure parents who are deserting the vaccine in droves over safety fears.
/ENDS
Source: British Medical Journal