2 Students Die at Christian Science College

ELSAH, Ill. —  Two students at Principia College have died as a result of a measles outbreak at the school, health officials said today.

The college for Christian Scientists has had 79 cases of rubeola, or two-week measles, since the outbreak began in January, said Nola Kramer, administrator of the Jersey County Department of Health.

The church does not believe in immunizations, but a spokesman said members are free to decide for themselves whether to get shots. Many of the students have been immunized in recent days.

A health department official said the two students died this month from complications brought about by the disease, which can include pneumonia and encephalitis.

Health officials said 210 students, faculty and members of their families were given measles shots Saturday, and an additional round of shots was set for today after more students requested immunizations, Kramer said.

“We do not believe in immunization, that’s true,” said Robert Johnson, a Christian Science Church spokesman in Chicago. “But the church does not dictate to its members, and neither does the college dictate to its students.”