Measles Outbreak: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Yourself

Preventing Sickness
Written By Cindy Katz

A 41-year-old female, elementary school teacher presented for her annual wellness exam concerned about the measles outbreak. She reported no current symptoms but expressed anxiety due to her daily exposure to school-aged children, some of whom were unvaccinated due to personal belief exemptions.

Leah was healthy, had no current symptoms, but couldn’t find her childhood vaccination records. As someone around children daily, she wanted to be sure she was protected.

Measles is making a comeback. Once nearly eliminated in many parts of the world, this highly contagious disease is resurfacing. It is an alarming reminder of how quickly infectious disease can resurface when vaccination rates decline.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with someone infected with the virus. It can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, making it easy to contract in shared spaces.

Key Facts:

  • Contagious Period: You are most contagious four days before and 4 days after the rash appears.

  • Incubation Period: Symptoms generally begin 7-10 days after exposure.

Measles Symptoms: What to Watch For:

  • Fever greater than or equal to 101 F

  • At least one of the three- cough, runny nose or red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

  • Plus a descending rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward and appears two to four days after initial symptoms begin

  • Other possible symptoms: headache, sore throat, or gastrointestinal discomfort

Keep in mind that not all symptoms present at the same time, which may delay diagnosis.

Why are We Seeing Measles Again?

Recent outbreaks have been linked to declining vaccination rates, fueled by:

  • Misinformation about vaccine safety

  • Limited access to healthcare in certain communities

  • Vaccine hesitancy due to cultural or political beliefs

When fewer people are vaccinated, measles can spread rapidly-even from a single case.

The Importance of Vaccination:

Measles is preventable, and the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR) is highly effective:

One dose provides about 93% protection

Two doses boost that to 97% protection

Vaccination not only protects you, it also can protect others, especially those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. This is called herd immunity, and it is our best defense against widespread outbreaks.

Are You Protected? Here is What to Do:

  • Check your vaccination records- especially before travel.

  • Know the guidelines for your age and risk group

  • Share accurate, science-based information about vaccine safety

Who Needs the MMR Vaccine?

Children in grades K-12 and adults at high risk for exposure ( such as healthcare workers, international travelers, college aged students, women of childbearing age before they get pregnant) need two doses.

Pre-school-aged children and low-risk adults need one dose.

If you were born before 1957, had measles at some point, or have confirmed immunity-you are typically exempt from vaccination.

Final Thoughts:

If you are fully vaccinated, your risk of getting measles-even after exposure-is very low.

If you are unsure about your status, now is the time to take action:

  • Check your records

  • Talk to your health-care provider.

  • Stay informed- and help spread facts, not fear.

Cindy Katz https://mywellnessvitals.com
Next

Dietary Supplements - What You Need to Know!