The United States is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with over 1,200 confirmed cases nationwide and three confirmed deaths – the highest number of fatalities from measles in the U.S. in over a decade. Texas and New Mexico remain among the hardest-hit states. In Texas alone, over 250 cases have been reported across nine counties, marking the state’s most severe outbreak in nearly 30 years.
The majority of those affected have been unvaccinated, highlighting the critical role routine immunizations play in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease. As vaccination rates continue to decline in some communities, public health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are protected.
A Disease We Thought Was Gone
Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, measles was a highly contagious and dangerous disease, leading to widespread hospitalizations, complications and deaths. Thanks to decades of vaccination efforts, the U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000. However, recent vaccine hesitancy and misinformation have led to a decline in immunization rates, allowing the virus to spread again.
Measles often begins with symptoms resembling a common cold, such as fever and cough, followed by red eyes. After 7 to 10 days, a rash appears, starting on the face and gradually spreading to the arms, chest, back, and legs. The measles rash consists of flat red spots that merge as it progresses. On lighter skin, the rash is bright red, while on darker skin, it may appear darker, ranging from brownish red to purplish. While small red bumps can accompany the rash, they are not typically present.
Unvaccinated individuals, including infants under one (since the vaccine is not given before this age), are at risk for measles. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or undergoing cancer treatment, may also lack protection from the disease.
Why Measles Is So Dangerous for Children
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, making it easy to contract, especially in public places like schools, airports, and daycare centers.
While measles can be dangerous for people of all ages, children under five are particularly vulnerable to severe complications, including:
- Pneumonia: The most common cause of measles-related deaths in children, pneumonia can develop when the virus weakens the immune system, allowing bacterial infections to take hold.
- Encephalitis (brain swelling): Measles can lead to inflammation of the brain, causing seizures, brain damage, or even death.
- Severe dehydration and malnutrition: Measles often causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to life-threatening dehydration, particularly in young children.
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE): A rare but fatal brain disorder that can develop years after measles infection, causing progressive neurological deterioration.
- Weakened immune system: After infection, children’s immune systems can be compromised for months or even years, making them more susceptible to other serious infections.
This is why the MMR vaccine is so crucial. When everyone is vaccinated, it creates herd immunity, which helps protect the most vulnerable members of our community.
About the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
The MMR vaccine protects against three serious diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. It has been safely and effectively administered in the United States since the early 1970s. The vaccine is typically given in two doses:
- First Dose: Between 12 and 15 months of age
- Second Dose: Between 4 and 6 years of age
Protection from measles vaccination is lifelong. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. Widespread use of the vaccine led to the elimination of measles in the U.S. in 2000, but declining vaccination rates have contributed to its resurgence. The MMR vaccine is well-studied and has a long-standing record of safety and success. Ensuring children receive both doses on schedule is the best way to protect them and the community from these preventable diseases.
It is important to note that years of research and study that support vaccines should not be discounted over misinformation found on the internet.
The Truth About Vitamin A and Measles
Some parents and social media anti-vaccination influencers believe that Vitamin A can prevent or treat measles, but this is a dangerous misconception. While Vitamin A supplementation is recommended for children who are already infected – especially in malnourished populations where deficiencies are common – it does not prevent measles nor replace the need for vaccination.
Vitamin A can reduce measles complications in children who are already sick, particularly in developing countries where Vitamin A deficiencies are widespread. However, it does not stop measles from occurring, and it does not provide immunity like the MMR vaccine. Relying on Vitamin A instead of vaccination leaves children unprotected and increases the risk of outbreaks.
Debunking Other Vaccine Myths
Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, misinformation continues to spread. Here are some common myths and the facts:
Myth: Measles isn’t serious – it’s just a rash.
Fact: Measles can lead to severe complications, including brain damage and death, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals.
Myth: Natural immunity is better than vaccination.
Fact: While recovering from measles does provide immunity, it comes with significant risks, including hospitalization and severe complications. The vaccine provides immunity without the dangers of the disease.
Myth: The MMR vaccine causes autism.
Fact: This claim originated from a now debunked and retracted study. Multiple large-scale studies have confirmed no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
Protecting Your Child and Community
Vaccination isn’t just about individual protection it’s about herd immunity. Herd immunity occurs when a high percentage of the population is vaccinated, preventing the virus from spreading easily. Measles is so contagious that at least 95% of people must be vaccinated to maintain herd immunity. When vaccination rates drop below this threshold, outbreaks become more likely, putting vulnerable groups at risk – especially infants too young to be vaccinated and individuals with weakened immune systems.
With measles cases rising, now is the time for parents to check their child’s vaccination records and ensure they are up to date. Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns but trust the decades of science that confirm vaccines are the safest and most effective way to protect your child.
Beyond the direct health risks, measles outbreaks place a heavy burden on communities. Each outbreak requires extensive public health resources, including:
- School and daycare exclusions: Unvaccinated children exposed to measles are often required to stay home for weeks to prevent further spread.
- High medical costs: Treating measles cases, especially those requiring hospitalization, can be costly for families and healthcare systems.
- Strain on healthcare providers: Outbreaks increase the workload for hospitals and public health departments, diverting resources from other medical needs.
The care teams at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital urge all parents to take this threat seriously. The return of measles is preventable, and vaccination is the key to keeping our children and communities safe. As part of the mission of all children’s hospitals, we want to give every child in our community the opportunity to grow up healthy, and we want to emphasize the importance of early prevention in protecting the health of our patients and reducing the burden of serious infections.
To learn more about the importance of immunization, listen to the podcast Measles on the Rise and the Importance of Vaccination for School-Aged Children featuring my colleague and friend, Dr. Tempe Chen, an infectious disease expert at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
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