Parents Claim Vaccines Caused Autism In Children

June 12, 2007

(KUTV) WASHINGTON, D.C. - For the first time in history, a federal court is hearing the claims of a woman who believes that a vaccine -- which contained a dangerous component -- is responsible for giving her young daughter autism

The case is being closely watched by thousands of families of autistic children, including a mother in Utah who has three.

Michelle Cedillo, of Yuma, Ariz., brought the case to federal court -- claiming that a mercury preservative once used in vaccines gave her daughter autism when she was just two-years-old. Cedillo's and eight other test cases are important because they will guide the handling of the other pending claims. Most contend that the mercury-rich preservative called thimerosal is to blame for the impaired social interaction typical of the disorder.

Should they prevail, the families will be eligible for compensation from a federal vaccine injury fund established by Congress to ensure an adequate supply of vaccines by shielding manufacturers from lawsuits. No autism claim has been paid from the fund thus far.

Sylvia Cluff, a Utah mother with three autistic children, says she is watching the case closely. But more than anything, she hopes more people will learn about the condition.

"I just hope for more awareness," she said. "It is a health crisis, frankly."

Large scientific studies have found no association between autism and vaccines containing thimerosal.

Theresa Cedillo said her daughter suffered five days of fever, her temperature often spiking to 105 degrees, after receiving a measles, mumps and rubella vaccination at age 15 months. Michelle was a happy, robust, responsive and loving child — in short, normal — but hasn't been the same since, her mother told the court.

Cedillo and husband Michael allege thimerosal-containing vaccines weakened their daughter's immune system and prevented her body from clearing the measles virus after she was immunized. That theory is one of three alleged by the thousands of plaintiffs. The others claim either thimerosal or the measles vaccine alone caused their children's autism.

"We hope to find out what happened and hopefully get the help she needs," said Theresa Cedillo, who takes care of her daughter full time at home.

The nine test cases will be heard consecutively over the next year. A ruling in the Cedillo case could take months or longer, attorneys said.

Source: KUTV