Measles: Separating fact from fiction

Recent measles outbreaks in Texas and other parts of the country have led to some conflicting information about measles. Let’s review the facts about measles and learn how to protect your family from this threat.

Did the measles vaccine cause the current outbreaks?

False.

The measles vaccine, known as the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, does not cause measles. It is a weakened live virus that prepares a child’s immune system to fight these illnesses should the child be exposed to them.

Any symptoms after a person receives the vaccine are typically mild, and no one develops measles from the vaccine.

Should I worry about the safety of the measles vaccine?

False.

While minor side effects like fever, tenderness at the injection site, and rash may occur, the measles vaccine is safe. It is also much safer than contracting measles, which can lead to serious illness and even death. There’s a lot of disinformation about vaccines. Always verify information by going to credible sources like:

• Your child’s pediatrician
• Healthychildren.org
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Health experts have dispelled the connection between vaccines and autism. From the Healthy Children website:

“Any connection between the measles vaccine and autism has been wholly discredited. Extensive evidence from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Academy of Medicine and researchers around the world have also concluded there is no causal association between the MMR vaccine and autism.”

No measles cases are reported in my community, so my child should be safe, right?

False.

The measles virus is highly contagious. It remains in a room and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. People are infectious before symptoms and up to four days after the measles rash appears. For this reason, there’s no guarantee you’d know when you’ve been exposed to measles.

Keep your baby or child up to date on their vaccines, including the MMR vaccine, to ensure that if they are exposed to these illnesses, they have the best chance of a full recovery with a lower risk of complications.

If a person doesn’t have a rash during their illness, they don’t have measles.

False.

The rash accompanying measles is not one of the first symptoms typically reported, so a person may have the measles before realizing it. Symptoms of measles often don’t show up until at least a week after exposure. The concern is that people with measles are contagious about four days before any outward signs of the virus appear.

Finally, the symptoms of measles often appear as other illnesses and can be confused for a cold, flu or other illness.

Symptoms of measles include:

• High fever that can spike to more than 104 degrees
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Rash with red, flat spots that begins on the face and spreads down the rest of the body

Other measles symptoms may include:

• Small spots on the cheek area inside the mouth, called Koplik spots
• Diarrhea
• Ear infection

Measles probably won’t hurt my family or me, so skipping the measles vaccine is okay.

False.

About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people will require hospitalization from measles. Some people with measles may experience complications, such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain (encephalitis), seizures and — in extreme cases — death. In the recent Texas outbreak, one child has died. The child was not vaccinated.

• 1 in 20 children with measles get pneumonia
• 1 in 5 children with measles are sick enough to need hospitalization
• Approximately 1 to 3 in 1,000 children who get measles die from their infection

I received only one dose of the measles vaccine as a child, and I don’t need a second one.

False.

Adults in a setting with a high risk for measles transmission should ensure they have had two doses separated by at least 28 days. These adults include:

• Students at post-high school education institutions
• Healthcare personnel
• International travelers

If you're unsure whether you are up to date on the measles vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider. There is no harm in getting another dose of the vaccine if you may already be immune to measles (or mumps or rubella).

One dose of the measles vaccine is about 93% effective, and two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus.

If I think I’ve been exposed to measles, I should just wear a mask.

False.

If you’ve been exposed to measles, you should follow these guidelines:

• Call your healthcare provider and let them know that you’ve been exposed to someone who has measles. They can determine whether you’re immune based on your vaccination record, age and/or an immunity blood test.
• Stay home from work, school and other group settings until your provider says you can return. This will help prevent you from spreading measles to others.
• Isolate from others, particularly if you have not been vaccinated against measles.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, tables and counters. Standard household disinfectants will readily kill the measles virus.
• Do not share drinks or eating utensils.
• Wash hands often, following handwashing best practices.
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and put the tissue immediately into the trash can. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
• If you visit the doctor or any other healthcare facility, call the doctor or facility beforehand so they can prepare.

I can still get the measles if I’m vaccinated.

True.

However, very few people — about three out of 100 — who get two doses of the measles vaccine will still get measles if exposed to the virus. It could be that their immune systems didn’t respond as well as it should have to the vaccine. But the good news is, fully vaccinated people who get measles seem more likely to have a milder illness.

There are other important reasons to get vaccinated, too. Fully vaccinated people seem less likely to spread the disease to others, including those who can’t get vaccinated because they are too young or have weakened immune systems. By getting vaccinated, you also protect young babies and other at-risk population members.

Anyone can get the measles vaccine.

False.

There are a few populations who should not get the measles vaccine.

People who should not receive the measles (MMR) vaccine:

• Pregnant women
• People with severe allergies
• People with weakened immune systems (those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation or high-dose steroid treatments, and those who have had an organ transplant and are on immunosuppressive drugs)
• Infants under 6 months old
• People who have had recent blood transfusions or immunoglobulin therapy (These people may need to wait several months before vaccinations.)

Always talk with your healthcare provider to learn if the vaccine is right for you.

Most people I know are vaccinated for measles, so I don’t need to get my children vaccinated.

False.

The only way to prevent measles is vaccination. The reason measles has gained traction in the U.S. is because the rate of immunization for measles has fallen in recent years.

Vaccinating against measles is the only way to prevent worsening outbreaks.

Vitamin A prevents measles.

False.

You should never try to prevent or treat measles at home with vitamin A or other substances. Excessive vitamin A intake can cause serious health problems.

Sentara is here for you and your family

We understand you might have concerns about measles and your family. Sentara family practice providers and Sentara pediatricians are available to answer your questions about measles and protect you with vaccinations.