Doctors trying to prevent measles in Idaho

Measles is making a comeback in several Western states. After several young children caught the illness in Disneyland in mid-December, there have been 51 confirmed cases as of Monday. So far California, Colorado, Utah, and Washington State have all confirmed measles cases, with a majority of them occurring in California.

Idaho doctors hope the measles don’t make it here, and they say they’re monitoring the situation closely.

“If we have a case of measles in our area, the doctors offices, physicians, laboratories that diagnose those cases, or if they have a suspected case, they will call us so we can track those illnesses,” says Dr. Mike Taylor of Eastern Idaho Public Health.

The worry doctors most have with the disease is how easily it can spread. Measles is air born, meaning those who are sick with the illness can infect people around them just by standing nearby. Doctors say it spreads easily among those who aren’t vaccinated.

“Measles has a high transmission rate,” says Taylor. “About nine out of 10 (people) can contract measles if they’re susceptible to it. So the best thing to do is to get your vaccination.”

Doctors say part of the reason the United States is seeing a resurgence of the measles comes from parents not vaccinating their children. Some parents fear potential side effects and don’t want to put their children at risk.

Dr James Maguire of Community Care in Idaho Falls says in many cases, parents just don’t have the right information, and says they should feel at ease knowing the vaccine is perfectly safe.

“I will only do for my patients what I would do for my own children,” said Maguire, “and I can assure you all of my children are immunized, and they are thriving healthy young children.”