Measles Outbreak: What Parents Should Know
Pictured: Toddler with measles maculopapular rash
With the recent measles outbreak in the news, there's a lot of information circulating & it can be difficult to know what to trust. As a public health professional & a mother, I want to provide evidence-based, reliable information to help parents understand the situation, protect their children, & make informed decisions.
Understanding Measles
Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease. About 90% of people who come in contact with respiratory droplets or infected surfaces will develop the disease if they're not already immune. Measles is contagious from 4 days PRIOR to rash onset to 4 days AFTER rash onset (CDC 2024; Clemmons, et al. 2017; WHO 2023).
There's currently an outbreak in both the United States & the United Kingdom. As of Jan 20, 2024, there are confirmed or suspected cases in the US in the following locations: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Ohio, Virginia, Georgia, & Washington State (Virginia Department of Health 2024; Philadelphia Health Department 2024; Delaware Division of Public Health 2024).
Measles Cases in the United States are Rising
Prior to 2000, measles was considered eliminated in the US. However, from 2000-2010, the number of cases crept up to an average of under 100 cases per year. In the past decade, we've seen a rise in cases, which is a cause for concern and a reason to understand & follow preventive measures (CDC 2024; Clemmons, et al. 2017).
Measles Cases in the US per Year
In the past decade, we have seen a significant rise in measles cases.
Recognizing Measles Symptoms
It's crucial to know the symptoms of measles to seek early medical intervention if your child gets infected (CDC 2024; WHO 2023).
The early symptoms include (7-14 days post-exposure):
fever (sometimes high, 104°F/40°C), cough
runny nose, and
red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Symptoms can progress (2-3 days after symptom onset):
red spots with bluish-white centers inside the mouth (koplik spots)
Later symptoms include (3-5 days after symptom onset):
red, typically flat rash that starts on the face and moves down the body (maculopapular rash)
Protecting Your Baby
The MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella) vaccine is the best protection against measles. However, babies generally are not vaccinated against measles until 12-15 months. There are some cases where it may be recommended to be vaccinated younger, such as for international travel (WHO 2023).
Here are other basic steps we can take to protect babies & unvaccinated individuals from measles (as well as many other infectious diseases!) (CDC 2016):
Practice good hand hygiene with yourself & baby (washing with soap & water for at least 20 seconds, or hand sanitizer with 60% or more alcohol if hand washing is not possible)
Wear a mask when traveling, or in public spaces
Only allow kids to share toys if they are asymptomatic
Clean toys & high-touch areas often
Ask other parents about any measles symptoms prior to playdates & reschedule if needed
Understanding Vaccination Efficacy
The MMR vaccine is typically available in the United States in two doses: Dose 1 between 12-15 months & Dose 2 between 4-6 years.
Two doses of MMR vaccine (fully vaccinated) are 97% effective at preventing measles infection. However, just one dose of MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles infection. Vaccination is the single easiest and most effective way to prevent measles infection & community spread (CDC 2021).
What If My Child Becomes Ill?
While it is rare for vaccinated children to become ill, it is possible. About 3% of fully vaccinated people can develop measles infection. However, most of the people who fall into this category will experience a mild infection due to the immunity conferred from the vaccine (CDC 2021).
If you suspect someone in your family has measles, call your child's care team immediately, do not send them to school, & follow all respiratory infection control precautions. Consider using a HEPA filter to reduce the risk of transmission to other family members, & provide them plenty of fluids and rest.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
Vaccine hesitancy is completely normal. It's important to ask questions & seek trusted healthcare providers for answers. Your concerns are valid & should be heard. This is a safe space to have your questions answered in a compassionate way.
At the end of the day, we all want to ensure our children are healthy & safe. Wishing you all a health as we navigate this latest outbreak.
Follow for updates on the measles outbreak:
Sources
CDC 2024: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html
Clemmons NS, Wallace GS, Patel M, Gastañaduy PA. Incidence of Measles in the United States, 2001-2015. JAMA. 2017 Oct 3;318(13):1279-1281. doi: 10.1001/jama.2017.9984. PMID: 28973240; PMCID: PMC5727570. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5727570/
WHO 2023: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles#:~:text=Symptoms%20of%20measles%20usually%20begin,usually%20last%204%E2%80%937%20days.
CDC 2021: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/public/index.html
CDC 2016: https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/basics/index.html
Philadelphia Health Department 2024: https://www.phila.gov/2024-01-11-health-department-update-on-measles-outbreak-january-11/
Virginia Department of Health 2024: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/2024-news-releases/virginia-health-officials-investigating-potential-measles-exposures-in-northern-virginia/
Delaware Division of Public Health 2024: https://news.delaware.gov/2024/01/11/the-delaware-division-of-public-health-issues-update-about-potential-measles-exposure/
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
