Child with measles. (© bilanol – stock.adobe.com)
As of March 14, the number of measles cases in the United States this year has already surpassed the number of cases reported for all of 2024. In total, 378 cases across 18 states have been confirmed, according to the latest update (March 20) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases known. It spreads via airborne particles from sneezing and coughing. Early symptoms include fever, red eyes, runny nose, cough, and sore throat. As the illness progresses, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth and a red rash spreads diffusely from face to feet.
About one in twenty children will develop pneumonia, which is the major cause of death with measles. One in 1,000 children will develop encephalitis (brain inflammation) in which permanent brain damage may occur. One or two children in 1,000 die from measles.
It is expected that the disease will continue spreading, especially among unvaccinated people. Vaccination is the critical tool for preventing the spread of the disease.
Some people still believe that measles isn’t serious or that the vaccine is dangerous. Invariably, when concern about a disease is reported by the media and much discussed among the population, misinformation and disinformation spread, too.
Measles is a highly preventable disease. That’s why it’s important to separate fact from fiction, particularly during a time when there is so much misinformation being shared. Think you know it all when it comes to measles? Take our fact/fiction quiz and find out.
1. Everyone should get the measles vaccine.
Fiction. The truth is that not everyone should get the vaccine. Babies younger than six months do not get the measles vaccine because their immune systems aren’t mature enough to respond sufficiently. People born before 1957, those who have already had measles, or those who previously received the vaccine series do not need vaccination. Patients who are on medication that suppresses the immune system or have abnormal immune systems should not get the measles vaccine. They rely on other people being vaccinated to keep the disease out of the community (herd immunity). Pregnant women should not get the MMR.
2. There are natural ways to prevent measles, so the vaccine isn’t necessary.
Fiction. The truth is that there are no natural ways to prevent measles. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and it’s HIGHLY effective. Some people have concerns about vaccine safety because it’s difficult to sort out all the conflicting information from the media and public discussion. Stick to trustworthy, responsible websites for information such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
3. Even if I get measles vaccine, I can still get measles.
Fact. No vaccine is 100% effective. After one dose of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, 93% of children are immune. After two doses, 97% of children are immune. Having a high rate of vaccination in the community will protect the children who didn’t get full immunity from the vaccine (herd immunity).
4. Children need the second dose of MMR vaccine as a “booster shot.”
Fact. See the explanation above for question 3.
5. You can get measles multiple times.
Fiction. The truth is you get measles only once, the virus clears from your body, and then you have lifetime immunity. Measles is not like chicken pox, in which the body harbors the virus and may reactivate to cause shingles.
6. Your child is at higher risk of getting measles at locations crowded with children, such as theme parks in Orlando.
Fiction. The truth is that the biggest risk of contracting measles occurs in communities with low rates of vaccinated people, or by traveling to an area of the world where measles rates are high because of low vaccination rates. Outbreaks of measles in the United States typically occur when an infected patient travels to the U.S. Measles then travels throughout the community infecting virtually everyone who is not vaccinated nor immune.
Orlando is a tourist destination for international travelers from places with low vaccination rates. Both children and adults who have already had the measles vaccine series are at extremely low risk for contracting the virus.
7. Proper handwashing can prevent measles.
Fiction. The truth is that handwashing is important for preventing illness, but measles is so contagious that tiny particles with live measles virus stay in the air even after the infected person has left the room. In medical settings, when an infected person leaves a room, the room is shut down for several hours and the surfaces in the room are sanitized before the room is used again.
8. The measles vaccine does NOT cause autism.
Fact. The first dose of MMR vaccine is given around one year of age, which is about the same time that the signs of autism become more obvious, and a child may be diagnosed with the disorder. Multiple, rigorous, large studies have proved that there is no association between the MMR vaccine and autism. If you want to know more about the story of false science that alleged association between the vaccine and autism read the book The Panic Virus, by Seth Mnookin.
9. Adults can get measles, too, not just children.
Fact. Adults have a significantly lower chance of contracting measles; in some cases, however, they should still be vaccinated. Most adults born before 1957 are considered immune because they’ve either had the disease or been exposed to it and developed immunity. If you were born between 1957 and 1989 and have not had two doses of the measles vaccine or had measles, you should get immunized. People born during these years may have had only one dose of vaccine or had one of the earlier, less effective vaccines. The risk of complications in adults is greater than in children, so adults who may be at risk should discuss vaccination with their doctor.
10. A one-year-old is too young to be immunized.
Fiction. The truth is that children usually get their first dose of MMR between 12 and 15 months of age. With the current spike in numbers of cases it is recommended that children get their fist dose of vaccine at 12 months. If there is a local outbreak, it may be recommended that children get their first dose at six months. The potential problem with early immunization is that the child may still have enough antibodies from their mothers that they may not have an adequate response to the vaccine. When children are vaccinated at six months because of an outbreak, they should have another dose at age 12 months and again at four years to make sure the child is fully protected.
The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated according to the immunization schedule recommended by the CDC.
