Editor,

Current, large outbreaks of measles in California, British Columbia, and New York are already raising concerns as people travel and spread cases. Whatcom County, San Juan Islands and Seattle are currently reporting cases.

The cumulative effect of under-vaccination over years raises the pool of people at risk. Measles is a serious and very contagious infection.

Measles vaccination yields very high levels of protection with very low risk. The vaccine is much more effective than the pertussis one, so less doses are needed. Measles vaccine does not cause Autism — no vaccine does. Widespread travel can cause cases to show up anywhere.

A single, local case of measles should not be necessary to cause people to rush to vaccinate. This is a preventable illness now. The big picture of vaccination safety and effectiveness clearly show a strong benefit to individuals and the entire community. Keep measles out of Whidbey Island.

Sincerely,

ROBERT D. WAGNER,

M.D.