Measles is on the Rise: What Parents Need to Know to Protect Their Children

Recognizing Measles: What are the Symptoms?

One reason measles is so easily spread is the delay between exposure and the appearance of symptoms. Symptoms typically emerge 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, often allowing the disease to spread before an individual realizes they are sick.  

The first sign of measles is usually a fever. The most common symptom, the measles rash, often appears three to five days after the fever or other symptoms have begun. The rash looks like flat, red spots that commonly start near the hairline or on the face and gradually spread down the body toward the arms and legs.

Symptoms of measles include:

• Cough
• High fever
• Rash
• Red/watery eyes
• Red rash that spreads over the body
• Runny nose

What are the complications of measles?

The most common measles complications include ear infections, diarrhea, and vomiting, which can in turn cause dehydration. Severe complications of measles may include:

• Bronchitis or Croup
• Encephalitis (Brain Swelling)
• Pneumonia
• Death - Pneumonia and Encephalitis are the most common causes of death from measles.

Serious complications from measles often require hospitalization. Pregnant women who contract the virus have a risk of premature birth.

Who is at risk for measles?

Anyone who has not received the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is at risk of getting measles.

If you are unvaccinated, you have a 90% chance of getting measles if you are exposed. Young children, pregnant women, and unvaccinated people with poor immune systems are at the highest risk of severe complications from the virus. Even if you do not fall into one of those categories, you are still at risk for health problems.

What is causing the measles outbreak?

According to the CDC, measles vaccination rates are declining. Many parents are choosing not to immunize their children, which creates a vulnerable gap for measles to spread. A successful vaccination campaign eliminated measles across the United States in 2000. However, after a surge of measles outbreaks in the last year, the US is likely to lose its status as a country that has eliminated the highly infectious disease. 

Does New York State require a measles vaccination?

In New York State, children must have the MMR vaccine before they enroll in a public, private or religious school. This requirement also covers daycare establishments and pre-kindergarten programs. Since 1990, college students in New York State must also show proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella.

Protecting Your Family: How to Avoid Measles

The best way to avoid measles is to get vaccinated. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Vitamins and supplements, such as vitamin A, are not a replacement for the MMR vaccine and are not a proven, effective way of preventing measles.

Doctors recommend two doses of the vaccine for children and adults to ensure immunity. Allow at least 28 days between doses. Children should receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months old. The second dose is usually given between the ages of 4 and 6. If your child travels internationally from a young age, they can receive their first dose between 6 and 11 months. After this, you should follow the traditional two-dose vaccine schedule for children.

If you do not know if you have received a vaccine, your physician can perform a titer test, which is a blood test that checks for antibodies. If you travel to another country, you should receive the MMR vaccine before your departure date. “Getting the vaccine not only protects you but also those around you, especially those most vulnerable and at risk for catching the virus, namely infants and older adults,” said Dr. Uythoven. 

If You Think Your Child Has Measles or Has Been Exposed to the Virus

Call your pediatrician immediately. They will advise you about what to do next. They may advise you to isolate your child and family from others to avoid spreading the virus or make special arrangements for you to bring your child into the office for evaluation without putting others at risk. 

If your child is due for a vaccine, a pediatrician at Catholic Health can help. Learn more about the advanced Pediatric Services available at Catholic Health.