Measles FAQs: What You Must Know About The Disease

The measles outbreak in West Texas, US has killed an unvaccinated child, the first U.S. measles-related fatality since 2015. With 124 cases reported across nine counties, this outbreak is a harsh reminder of the risks of a disease that was once almost eradicated. Despite the existence of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine since 1963, immunization coverage gaps persist to enable the disease to spread.

Extremely infectious and even life-threatening, measles is still a major health issue worldwide. Though most people infected with the disease recover without serious complications, it can be fatal, especially among children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. In the directory below, we answer the most common questions about measles to help you keep inform and safe.

What is Measles?

Measles is a viral illness that is transmitted by respiratory droplets from an infected individual. The illness starts with symptoms of the flu, such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Three to five days later, a characteristic rash appears, usually beginning on the face and extending to the rest of the body.

Though some people recover completely, measles may cause serious complications like pneumonia, swelling of the brain (encephalitis), and death. Children younger than five years, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people are most likely to suffer from serious complications.

How Does Measles Spread?

Measles is also one of the most infectious illnesses on the globe. The measles virus is in the air and contagious when the sick person exhales, coughs, or sneezes. The measles virus can be active in the air and on surfaces for as much as two hours, which is to say that people may become infected even after the affected individual has exited the room.

One of the most significant threats of measles is its incubation period. Sick individuals will not exhibit symptoms all at once and thus can go around spreading the disease without ever realizing they were ill.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Measles?

Measles symptoms start off in a progression, including:

• High temperature
• Runny nose
• Respiratory congestion
• Red watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

A few days after that, the typical red rash appears, typically beginning at the hairline before spreading down the body. The rash persists for around five or six days before slowly disappearing.

How Can Measles Be Prevented?

Vaccination is the best method to avoid measles. The MMR vaccine, which is used to immunize against measles, mumps, and rubella, is given in two doses as a child under the routine schedule of immunization in the United States.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing measles. People traveling abroad should also make sure they are vaccinated at least two weeks prior to travel to prevent possible exposure to countries where measles is still common.

How is Measles Treated?

No antiviral medication is available to treat measles. Medical care is centered on making symptoms more tolerable and avoiding complications. Supportive therapy commonly used includes:

• Rest and hydration
• Fever-reducing medications
• Vitamin A supplementation (which has been demonstrated to lower severity, especially in children)

Hospitalization may be required for severe cases in order to control complications like pneumonia or encephalitis.

How Long is a Person with Measles Contagious?

An individual with measles can transmit the virus from four days prior to rash onset to four days following its appearance. The long infectious phase enhances the chance of community spread, particularly in unvaccinated individuals.

Who is Most Vulnerable to Measles?

All individuals who are not vaccinated or lack immunity due to a previous measles infection are vulnerable. The most susceptible are:

• Children less than 12 months old (who are not yet eligible for the vaccine)
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

These individuals are more likely to develop serious complications, so herd immunity through mass vaccination is important in safeguarding those who cannot be immunized.

Should Adults Get the MMR Vaccine?

Adults born after 1957 who are not vaccinated or do not have proof of immunity should get the MMR vaccine. Those born prior to 1957 are usually assumed to have natural immunity from previous exposure to measles. Nevertheless, those in high-risk settings—healthcare workers and international travelers—should be protected.

Can Pregnant Women Get the MMR Vaccine?

Pregnant women should avoid the MMR vaccine since they pose risks to the fetus. If a female needs to have the vaccine, she must do so after childbirth. Also, women should also avoid pregnancy for a minimum period of four weeks after having the MMR vaccine.

Why is Measles Still a Threat if There is a Vaccine?

Even though the MMR vaccine is effective, measles outbreaks do happen because there are gaps in immunization coverage. The reasons for these gaps are:

• Vaccine hesitancy and miscommunication
• Healthcare access lack in some communities
• Traveling internationally and coming into contact with measles-endemic areas

As vaccination levels decrease, herd immunity is lost, and the virus can spread more freely. This is why public health officials still emphasize the value of immunization.