Measles is Making a Comeback- What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

If you don’t know much about measles, you aren’t alone. The highly contagious childhood virus has been virtually eliminated in the Unites States for over twenty years thanks to an effective vaccine. However, falling vaccination rates have led to a number of outbreaks throughout the country.

Florida is currently in the midst of an outbreak and there have been nine cases of measles reported in the Philadelphia area since December. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 34 measles cases in 15 states this year.

“Measles can lead to serious health complications, especially among children, older adults, and those with autoimmune issues,” says Michael Kimzey, DO, infectious diseases physician, Doylestown Health. “Vaccines are an important way to stop the spread of the virus and keep our community healthy.”

Measles symptoms and exposure

Measles is an airborne virus spread through a person’s cough or sneeze. The virus can linger in the air and live on surfaces such as countertops or doorknobs for up to two hours. Measles is considered one of the most contagious diseases.

Symptoms of measles are initially similar to common respiratory illnesses and include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Red eyes
• Runny nose

“Many people may not realize they have measles or suspect they have anything other than an ordinary cold until they see the rash. By then, they have already been contagious for a number of days. It’s very easy to spread,” Dr. Kimzey says.

Severe complications of measles include blindness, severe pneumonia and brain inflammation. These complications are most common in children under two, adults over 65, and those with compromised immune systems.

Measles prevention

Fortunately, measles is easily preventable with a vaccine. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children get two doses of the measles containing vaccine (MMR). The first dose should be given at 12-15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years of age.

Before the vaccine, there were 3 to 4 million cases of the virus each year and nearly 500 deaths a year due to measles. The CDC reports 92% of US children are vaccinated, short of the 95% vaccination goal. However, measles vaccination rates in other countries are much lower. If you plan to travel, it’s important to make sure you are protected.

Make an appointment with your primary care physician if you would like to receive your MMR vaccine. If you are unsure whether you are vaccinated, a simple blood test will reveal whether you have antibodies that provide protection.

What to do if you suspect measles

The measles vaccine typically offers lifetime protection. If you were exposed and vaccinated, it’s unlikely you will contract the virus. However, if you are unvaccinated or have a weakened immune system and were exposed, you should call your healthcare provider.

"Call ahead to let your providers know you suspect you have been exposed to measles so they can take precautions to prevent the virus from spreading. You should be placed in a private area so you don’t expose others,” Dr. Kimzey says.

If you know you were exposed to measles and you are unvaccinated, you can get the MMR vaccine within 72 hours to prevent the virus or decrease its severity.