The Measles Comeback: What You Need to Know About Its Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention
Measles was once a common childhood disease, but thanks to vaccines, it’s now rare in the United States. However, recent outbreaks serve as a reminder of how contagious the virus is and the importance of vaccination. Let’s dive into the basics of measles, its symptoms, potential risks, and how you can protect yourself and others.
What Exactly is Measles and Why Should You Care?
Measles may seem like a disease of the past, but it’s still a threat, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. Although vaccines have made major strides in preventing its spread, sporadic outbreaks have emerged in the U.S. in recent years, sometimes due to international travelers bringing the virus back from other countries. The highly contagious nature of measles is one of the reasons it can be so dangerous if not controlled.
The Contagion Factor: Just How Easily Does Measles Spread?
Measles is incredibly contagious. It’s spread through airborne droplets, which means a single cough or sneeze can release the virus into the air, infecting anyone nearby. What's scarier? You can spread the virus even before showing any symptoms. That’s right: people can infect others four days before the tell-tale rash shows up. And it doesn’t stop there—measles can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, increasing its potential to spread.
If you’re unvaccinated, you’re at a much higher risk of catching it, and the consequences can be serious.
Spot the Signs: How to Recognize Measles Early
While measles symptoms start out feeling like a regular cold, they soon develop into a distinct pattern that makes the disease recognizable. Here’s what to look for:
- Fever – A high fever is one of the earliest signs.
- Cough and Runny Nose – Classic cold symptoms that might seem harmless at first.
- Red, Watery Eyes – Often accompanied by irritation.
- Koplik Spots – Small, white spots inside the cheeks that appear 2-3 days before the rash.
- Rash – Flat, red spots that start at the hairline and spread downwards. It’s a distinctive, tell-tale symptom that follows a few days after the other symptoms.
Complications and Risks: Who Should Be Extra Cautious?
For most healthy children and adults, measles resolves on its own with proper care. But for certain groups, measles can be deadly. Potential complications include:
- Pneumonia and Ear Infections – Common but serious respiratory issues.
- Neurological Problems – These can arise weeks to years after infection, including brain swelling and even progressive neurological conditions.
- Death – About 1 in 1,000 people infected with measles will die from complications.
Those at highest risk for complications include young children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Diagnosis: How Doctors Confirm Measles
If you suspect you or someone you know has measles, diagnosis is usually confirmed through a laboratory test, where samples from the throat, saliva, or urine are tested to detect the virus’ genetic material. This is the most reliable way to confirm the infection.
The Power of Prevention: Vaccination is Key
The good news is that measles is entirely preventable with the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella). The CDC recommends that all children receive two doses:
- First dose: 12-15 months
- Second dose: 4-6 years
Adults who haven’t been vaccinated should also get the MMR vaccine, especially if they’re in a high-risk group or planning to travel. Vaccination is the most effective way to keep the disease at bay and protect those who can’t be vaccinated, such as babies and those with certain medical conditions.
What to Do If You’re Exposed to Measles?
If you’ve been exposed to measles and you haven’t been vaccinated or previously infected, you still have options. The CDC recommends getting the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure, which can help prevent infection. In some cases, if you miss that window, receiving an injection of immunoglobulin (antibodies to fight off the virus) within 6 days can still offer protection.
In Conclusion: Stay Safe, Stay Protected
Measles may be rare in the U.S., but outbreaks can still happen, and the disease remains one of the most contagious illnesses known. The best way to protect yourself and others is through vaccination. By staying up to date with immunizations, you contribute to herd immunity and help keep communities safe from preventable diseases.
So, check your vaccination status, make sure your children are protected, and spread the word about the importance of the MMR vaccine. Let’s keep measles where it belongs—in the past.
Source: Hübschen JM, Gouandjika-Vasilache I, Dina J. Measles. Lancet. 2022;399(10325):678-690. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02004-3
Read more and go to Jamanetwork ...
