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Health Officials: Dropping Vaccination Numbers Behind Measles Comeback

Measles was once thought to be eliminated because of mass immunization, but those days are over.

Cases of measles have been roaring back in recent years and a recent outbreak that started in California has spread to several western states.

Medical experts say the potentially deadly disease is making a comeback because of the number of unvaccinated children nationwide is increasing.

As of Wednesday morning, there were four possible cases in Nevada, two in Washoe County and two in Clark County.

The latest case in Southern Nevada is an adult who is not associated with a previously confirmed case at Valley High School, according to Dr. Jospeh Iser, chief health officer with the Southern Nevada Health District.

Iser told KNPR's State of Nevada his agency is researching two additional cases now, but don't have test results back.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can spread through coughing and sneezing. Nevada students do have to be immunized by law, but there are exemptions for allergies and religious beliefs.

For more information about measles or if you have other health questions, visit S outhern Nevada Health District's website.

GUESTS:

Dr. Joseph Iser, chief health officer, Southern Nevada Health District

Dr. Jim Wilson, infectious disease expert, University of Nevada, Reno
Copyright 2015 KNPR-FM. To see more, visit http://www.knpr.org/.

Dr. Joseph Iser, chief health officer, Southern Nevada Health District

Dr. Jim Wilson, infectious disease expert, University of Nevada, Reno

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