MADISON, WI (WRN) – Public health experts are closely watching measles outbreaks in Oregon and Washington state.
It could happen here. Tracy Saladar, an expert on pediatric primary care at UW Madison, says the measles virus is easily transmissible.
“It’s spread by respiratory droplets. And the thing about measles is it can remain in the air for up to two hours.”
The measles vaccine – when administered twice in a child’s first year – results in 95 percent immunity to measles.
“So, in states like Wisconsin, where there’s a waiver and parents can opt out of vaccines, that decrease immunity and puts others at risk.”
Wisconsin is among 18 states that allow parents to opt out of childhood vaccines if they have personal, moral or philosophical beliefs against immunizations.
