We All Play a Part in Preventing Measles Resurgence

Post contributed by Audra-Stewart-Gordon, Community Health and Communication. Coordinator

Measles is an extremely infectious and potentially severe rash illness that was very common among children before the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine was introduced in 1971. According to the U.S. CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, due to high levels of vaccination with the safe and effective MMR vaccine.

This year, the U.S. is at greater risk for measles outbreaks because decreased vaccination worldwide, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to more cases internationally. People who are not vaccinated may encounter measles when traveling abroad and return to the U.S. with measles. Additionally, declining U.S. vaccination rates increase susceptibility to outbreaks.

Measles is more than just a little rash:

 Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Measles symptoms include:

•  High fever (may spike to 104' F or higher)

•  Cough

•  Runny nose

•  Red, watery eyes

•  Rash breaks out 3-5 days after symptoms begin 

Measles can be dangerous:

  • About 1 out of 5 people who get measles will be hospitalized.

  • 1 out of every 1,000 people with measles will develop brain swelling due to infection (encephalitis), which may lead to brain damage.

  • 1 to 3 out of 1,000 people with measles will die, even with the best care.

It’s important to remember that the overall measles outbreak risk to the general population is low; however, measles cases are increasing globally, increasing the chance of importation into the U.S. and subsequent risk of outbreaks, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates. It is important to know how you can keep yourself and your family safe, especially when traveling abroad.

What to do before traveling abroad

People 6 months and older should be protected against measles before leaving for international trips. Infants under 12 months old who are traveling internationally should get an early dose at 6 through 11 months, then follow the recommended schedule for doses 1 and 2. People 12 months and older should receive 2 doses before travel. Watch your health for 3 weeks after you return. If you or your child gets sick with a rash and fever, call your healthcare provider.

Possible exposure: If you think that you have measles or have been exposed to someone with measles, isolate yourself from others and call your healthcare provider, urgent care, or emergency room before arriving to be tested. Do not arrive at a healthcare facility without giving advance notice.

More information on measles and vaccinations

The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide better protection against measles than one dose: two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

Measles is extremely infectious and can cause life-threatening illness. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk. An unvaccinated person can get measles when traveling abroad or in the U.S. Vaccination also protects those too young for their first measles vaccine or those with medical conditions that are unable to be immunized.

Parents should get their children vaccinated on schedule with the MMR vaccine. Teens and adults should check with their doctors to make sure they are protected against measles.

Learn more at cdc.gov/measles.

POSTTracey Carlsonmeasles, measles prevention, vaccines, vaccination