The measles virus has been in the news lately, with a major outbreak in West Texas and isolated cases emerging elsewhere in the United States. While people may consider measles to be a common and non-threatening childhood illness, the truth is that this virus is highly contagious and can be lethal — as shown by the tragic death of an unvaccinated child in the Texas outbreak, the first measles fatality in the United States in a decade.
The Uncas Health District wants to ensure that our community is informed about the measles virus and prepared to respond to it. Here’s what you need to know:
Measles Symptoms
Measles is a serious respiratory disease that is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Initial symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure and can include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
- A rash of flat, red spots starts on the face at the hairline and spreads down to the neck, trunk, and extremities.
Measles can sometimes lead to severe complications, including:
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis (brain swelling)
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea
- In rare cases, death
Who is Most at Risk?
Anyone who is not immune to measles can contract the virus, but certain groups are at higher risk. These include:
- Unvaccinated individuals who have not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Young children, particularly those under 12 months old, who have not received their first dose of MMR vaccine
- Pregnant women who can develop complications, including premature birth or miscarriage, when contracting measles
- People with weakened immune systems like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those taking immunosuppressant medications
- People traveling to areas with ongoing measles outbreaks
The Importance of Vaccination
Developing immunity to measles is the strongest measure of protection against the virus. People can develop immunity to measles by developing antibodies after contracting the virus or when these antibodies are passed on to them during pregnancy. However, the safest and most effective way to protect against measles is the MMR vaccine.
This two-dose vaccine contains a weakened version of a live measles virus, which allows the body to develop antibodies against the virus without the risk of more severe effects. The vaccine provides 97 percent protection against measles, and symptoms are milder in the rare case of vaccinated individuals contracting the virus.
High vaccination rates also have the beneficial effect of creating “herd immunity,” preventing the spread of measles through communities. This offers protection to infants and others who are more at risk from measles.
It is strongly advised that everyone who is able to receive the MMR vaccine do so. Contacting your health care provider can ensure that you and your family are up to date on your vaccinations.
What to Do if You Contract Measles
If you or someone in your family develops measles symptoms, take the following steps.
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately. Call before going to the doctor’s office or emergency room to avoid spreading the virus.
- Stay home. Isolate yourself to prevent infecting others.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions. Your healthcare provider will provide guidance on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
- Notify your local health department. This will help local health authorities to track measles cases and take necessary public health measures.