It may hard for younger people to accept this, but when I was in medical school, we talked casually of patients having had “the usual childhood diseases,” referring to measles, mumps, chicken pox and rubella (German measles).

            Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily to others with near 100% transmission. While generally a flu-like illness with a rash from which children recover, about 5% of measles patients develop pneumonia, 1 in 1000 develop brain swelling with deafness and/or intellectual disability resulting and 3 per 1000 die.

            A vaccine to prevent measles was introduced in 1963 with dramatic results. Prior to 1963, nearly every child got measles by age 15. There were 3-4 million cases a year, with 48,000 hospitalizations and 500 deaths annually. This fell dramatically after the vaccine was available. Reported cases fell 97% between 1965 and 1968 and measles was declared “eliminated” in the U.S. in 2000.

            Unfortunately, this very success has led to complacency, and the disinformation by “anti-vaxxers” has contributed to a falling off of vaccination rates.

            Not surprisingly, measles has recurred. In 2024, the U.S. saw 16 outbreaks (3 or more cases) involving a total of 285 cases. As of the end of February, 2025 has seen 9 outbreaks, with a total of 164 cases. The best known is the Texas outbreak, but there have been others around the country. 95% of the cases involve people who were unvaccinated.

            Do you need to worry?

            If you were born before 1957, you almost certainly had measles, whether you remember this or not, and if you were born before 1963, you probably did. Natural infection gives virtually 100% life-long immunity, so there is no need to get a booster.

            If you were vaccinated between 1963 and 1968, you may have received a less-effective vaccine and may want to have your antibody levels checked with a blood test.

            If you received two doses of the standard MMR (measles/mumps/rubella), you are 97%+ protected unless you have an immune deficiency.

            So, for most of us, protected by childhood infection or vaccination, no worries. For our children and grandchildren: GET VACCINATED. The MMR does NOT cause autism, and there have been no deaths from the vaccine in healthy people. Children with immune deficiency, a very rare condition, cannot get the vaccine, and depend on the other 99% of us preventing outbreaks by getting vaccinated.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are proud to share that senior Michael Hogan, a Special Olympics athlete, recently bowled a perfect game.

            Michael Hogan, 18, of Mattapoisett, achieved a perfect score of 300 in a game of bowling at Wonder Bowl in New Bedford on February 18 during school vacation. He rolled 12 consecutive strikes, a feat few bowlers accomplish, while his father, Jim Hogan, cheered him on and captured the final moments on video.

            “To bowl a perfect game is pretty difficult for anybody, anywhere,” said Jim Hogan. “Michael has been working toward this goal ever since he started bowling. He’s a perfectionist — he always strives to be the best at whatever he does. Given that, reaching perfection in this way was extraordinary for him.”

            Michael, who has autism, is a self-taught bowler, learning primarily by watching YouTube videos. He originally bowled one-handed but switched to a two-handed style after watching Australian professional bowler Jason Belmonte. Over the years, he has refined his technique, improving his average consistently while regularly competing in Special Olympics tournaments.

            “He enjoys bowling because it’s something he can do on his own,” Jim Hogan said. “He plays other sports like basketball, softball, and soccer, but in bowling, you’re really competing against yourself. He likes that aspect of it.”

            Michael said the final frame of his perfect game was nerve-wracking. But he cleared his mind and concentrated solely on “calibrating” his shot.

            “I was nervous a little bit. I had to take a deep breath,” Michael said. “It wasn’t easy at all. But I did it. After I did it, I had a lot of enthusiasm. I was very happy.”

            Michael’s dedication to the sport has made him a standout in Special Olympics Massachusetts bowling competitions. During each of the past three years, his father said, Michael recorded the highest bowling scores of any participant in the Special Olympics state tournament, regardless of age group.

            Beyond bowling, Michael is a well-rounded athlete and student at Old Rochester Regional High School, where he is enrolled in the Life Skills Program. He is also a key player on the school’s Unified Basketball Team and is known for his impressive three-point shooting — once he nailed 17 3-pointers in a row.

            Danielle Dore, a special education teacher at ORR who has worked with Michael since ninth grade, praised his hard work and determination.

            “Whether you stop by a class he’s in or see him in after-school activities — from strength and conditioning to basketball — he’s always putting in the work it takes to be successful,” said Dore. “Since he came to ORR you could see how passionate he is as a student athlete. Michael is always holding himself to the highest standards, and there’s nothing he can’t accomplish — including bowling a perfect game. We are so proud.”

            Michael has also served as a role model to younger students in the district, often sharing his knowledge with peers during school bowling outings. He even created an instructional video for an elementary school teacher’s bowling unit, offering tips and tricks to inspire younger athletes.

            “The teacher showed that video to his students, and they were so impressed,” Dore said. “Michael is a true role model.”

            Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Jaime Curley commended Michael, highlighting the positive impact he has on the school community.

            “Michael’s dedication and passion are inspiring,” said Assistant Superintendent Curley. “This achievement is an example of the power of perseverance and the importance of setting personal goals. At Old Rochester Regional, we strive to foster an environment where all students can pursue their passions and reach their full potential.”

            Principal Devoll complimented Michael for his dedication and hard work, congratulating him on this special achievement.

            “At Old Rochester Regional, we take great pride in seeing our students push their limits, set ambitious goals, and work tirelessly to achieve them,” said Principal Devoll. “Michael’s accomplishment is inspirational. It’s a demonstration of the power of persistence and hard work.”

            Superintendent Nelson congratulated him on the perfect game:

            “This is a great moment for Michael, and we couldn’t be happier for him,” said Superintendent Nelson. “His achievement exemplifies the determination and passion we see in students across our district, whether in academics, athletics, or personal pursuits. We celebrate Michael’s success and look forward to seeing his continued success here at Old Rochester Regional and beyond.”