Why measles is on the rise in the U.S. and measles protection

Once considered eliminated in 2000, measles is back in the news. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that measles is on the rise in the U.S. and Virginia is listed as one of 21 states seeing an increase.

Before these recent outbreaks, measles had been under control, thanks to herd immunity. This occurs when at least 95% of the population receives the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Herd immunity reduces outbreaks significantly.

Lower MMR vaccination levels among children are one of the main reasons measles is making a comeback. Recently, MMR vaccination rates fell just under the 95 percent. This has left 250,000 kindergarteners at risk of contracting the disease each year over the last three years, according to the CDC.

Measles symptoms and how it spreads

Measles is an illness that causes fever, coughing, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a red rash that covers the body. Unlike many viruses, measles is not seasonal but is most often spread during times of high travel (summer, spring break, summer camp, etc.).

Like many viruses, measles is spread through airborne particles from coughing, sneezing, or even talking.

The MMR vaccine

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very effective in controlling measles outbreaks. One dose of the MMR vaccine provides 93% protection. Two doses results in 97% effectiveness. (Two doses are given, usually 28 days apart.)

Breakthrough infections (when someone becomes infected after they have been vaccinated) can occur, especially in communities experiencing an outbreak where high levels of measles virus are circulating. The number of breakthrough infections currently seen is about 5% of the total measles cases being reported.

If your local community, college or a workplace reports an outbreak of measles or mumps, public health authorities may contact you to recommend an additional dose of the MMR vaccine.

Protection from mumps

Some communities are also experiencing a reemergence of mumps, due to low vaccination rates. Measles is more contagious than mumps, with a higher mortality rate, but mumps can also cause health complications.

Who should get the MMR vaccine

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices says that any school age child (from preschool to post high-school age) should receive the MMR vaccine.

• One vaccine is recommended for preschool aged children 12 months or older.
• Two doses are recommended for children age kindergarten through post high school education age.
• Check with your state to see what their specific requirements are.

Tip: If you’re not sure if you’ve been vaccinated your care team can conduct a titer blood test to check for measles antibodies to confirm immunity.

If you do not have the vaccine and are exposed to measles, talk to your care team about getting vaccinated. It is not harmful to get the vaccine after exposure.

As with other immunization vaccines, the MMR vaccine may not provide 100% protection against measles. Experts don't completely understand why some people who get the shot have immune systems that don't respond as well to the vaccine. However, those who still catch the virus have much less severe illness when vaccinated.

If you’ve had an adverse reaction to other vaccines, talk to your care team before receiving the MMR vaccine. In addition, people with certain conditions should talk to their care team before getting vaccinated. These include people who have:

• Recently had a blood transfusion
• Severe allergies
• Tuberculosis
• Weakened immune systems

You may be naturally immune

If you were born prior to 1957 (before the MMR vaccine was available) you were more than likely exposed to or had measles. Because of this, experts presume you have natural immunity.

Why stopping measles now is important

The importance of receiving the vaccine is in the statistics. Looking at hospitalizations by age group, 54% of those contracting measles are sick enough to be hospitalized. Those hospitalizations are usually the result of severe symptoms requiring isolation.

If you or your child gets the measles you can help stop the spread by staying away from others for at least four days after the rash appears or until your care team says it’s safe.

Complications of measles

Complications associated with measles include:

• Diarrhea
• Ear infections
• Encephalitis
• Pneumonia
• Low birth weight or preterm birth (in people who have measles during pregnancy), among other concerns

Some people are also more likely to have complications from measles. These people should be monitored closely if they contract measles:

• Adults 20 or older
• Infants and toddlers
• People with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised)
• Pregnant people

A word about travel and measles

Travelers may contract and even bring back measles when they travel to an area that is not well vaccinated. Keep this in mind and be sure to vaccinate before traveling. School systems and higher educational institutions also require proof of MMR vaccination before admittance, so it's important to have your child vaccinated before they start public school.

Protect yourself and your loved ones

We all have a play in stopping the uptick of measles cases. The best news is that you are protected for life once you've been vaccinated. Schedule an appointment with your family’s care team to ensure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations, including against measles.