Measles outbreak shows need for vaccinations

State Health officials say the outbreak of measles in the state is a prime example of why they preach proper vaccination for all Iowans. State Epidemiologist Patricia Quinlisk says the person who brought measles in had been traveling in India, and then spread it to two other people who hadn’t already had the disease, or been vaccinated. She says that’s about the only way measles would spread as measles has been irradicated in the U.S. Dr. Quinlisk says if your vaccinations are up-to-date, it won’t matter if someone brings in measles from outside the country. Quinlisk says the last known case of measles in Iowa five or six years ago died out quickly because everyone who came into contact with the victim had been vaccinated. Quinlisk says if you were born in 1957 or later you should check your records to see if you’ve been vaccinated. And she says it won’t hurt you if you’ve been vaccinated and do it again.She says when she went out on her first measles outbreak she called her mother to see if she’d been exposed. Her mom wasn’t sure, so she had the vaccination. She says all an extra dose will do is give you more protection. She says they aren’t worried about the vaccine supply. She says since all schoolchildren are vaccinated, the vaccine is readily available. She says they did have to get more immune globulin — or antibodies given to people who’re pregnant or have another type of illness and can’t take the vaccine. She says you need at least two doses to ensure you’re safe from contracting the disease.