Stay Informed, Stay Protected: What You Need to Know About Measles

As Measles cases continue to pop up across the nation, you may be left feeling like you have more questions than answers. The highly contagious disease, once eliminated in the United States due to vaccination, is now making headlines. With so much online information, deciphering fact from fiction can be challenging. CRMC Pediatrician Wendi Johnson, MD, FAAP, shares some of the must-know facts surrounding the recent Measles outbreak.

What is Measles?

Measles used to be a common childhood illness, and all providers could recognize it. With widespread vaccination, however, it has become such a rare occurrence that few practicing professionals can recognize it. In addition, those infected are contagious for up to four days before showing signs of illness. Measles infection consists of three or more days of rash, fever of 101 F or more, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). Serious effects of measles can include pneumonia, encephalitis, myocarditis or pericarditis, and subsequent death.

Are we at risk for a measles outbreak in the Crosby area?

I recently listened to a podcast where a Pediatric Infectious Diseases expert said that measles is the “most” contagious virus, more so than flu, COVID, or even Ebola. Because of this, it takes a high percentage of the population to be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks. Experts say it takes 95% of kindergarten students being fully immunized against Measles for community protection. According to records (from the Crosby Range Elementary School nurse), the kindergarteners at CRES are about 86% fully immunized against Measles, meaning our community is at risk for an outbreak if the virus were to hit the Crosby-Ironton community. As an “at-risk” community, all of us need to be aware of how to protect ourselves and our families. Being appropriately immunized is the biggest preventative measure we can take. If you think you have been exposed to Measles, call the clinic for directions on how to proceed. By showing up in the clinic or Emergency Department, you may put a lot of others at risk for infection.

Can infants be vaccinated? I thought the first dose of MMR was at 12 months.

In the case of an outbreak, babies 6-11 months old can get a Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine to help prevent illness. However, this doesn’t count towards the two-dose series for full immunity, meaning a baby would still need two more doses after they turn 1-year-old.

Is my toddler protected if they’ve only had one dose of the vaccine?

In the case of an outbreak, children 12 months to 3 years old who already have one dose could get their second dose as soon as 1 month after the first dose. This would complete the series for them for life. We would offer this because two doses equate to 97% protection, whereas one dose is at most 93% protective.

I’m an adult and received my vaccination years ago. Am I still protected?

Adults born before 1957 are considered immune from infection earlier in life and don’t routinely need the vaccine. Adults born after 1957 who are health care personnel, attending college, or international travelers need to have two doses of MMR. Since the 1990s or so, MMR has been given at 12 months and prior to school entrance.

Where can I go to find more information?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has a lot of great information. You can look at the history of measles complete with statistical graphs, vaccination rates across the nation per state, and the current number of cases. Immunize.org Ask the Experts/MMR also has great information, and Healthychildren.org is very good. It has a short video addressing Vitamin A and how it pertains to Measles.