Measles is in the news again—and it is something we all need to know about. Measles used to be very rare in the United States, but cases are going up again. Measles spreads very easily and can make people very sick. Knowing how to prevent it helps keep you and your family safe.
What Is Measles?
Measles is caused by a virus. It spreads when someone with measles coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. That makes it super easy to catch. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 9 out of 10 people who are not protected will get measles if they are near someone who has it.
The signs of measles show up about 7–14 days after you’re around someone who is sick. Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Small white spots inside the mouth (called Koplik spots)
- A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body
Most people get better, but measles can sometimes cause serious problems like pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. Young children, adults over 20, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems are more likely to have these serious problems.
Why Is Measles Coming Back?
Even though there is a safe and effective vaccine, measles cases are going up again. The World Health Organization (WHO) said there were 79% more measles cases around the world in 2023 than the year before. In the United States, most cases happen when people travel to other countries and bring the virus back. It also spreads more in areas where not enough people are vaccinated.
How Vaccines Protect You
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent measles. Doctors and scientists have studied this vaccine a lot. Research from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) shows that the MMR vaccine is very safe and works really well. If you get both doses of the MMR vaccine, it protects you from measles 97% of the time.
The CDC recommends this vaccine schedule:
- First dose: 12–15 months old
- Second dose: 4–6 years old
If you are an adult and do not know if you had the vaccine, talk to your physician. You might need the MMR shot, especially if you plan to travel to other countries.
If you were vaccinated between 1963 and 1967, you might need a new shot. Early vaccines from that time were not as effective, so the CDC recommends getting at least one dose of the current MMR vaccine.
Adults who are at higher risk—like healthcare workers, international travelers, or students in college—may also need two doses for full protection.
Checking Your Immunity: What Are Titers?
If you are not sure whether you are still protected from measles, your physician can check your immunity through a blood test called a titer. A titer measures the antibodies in your blood to see if you are still immune to measles. If your titer shows low or no immunity, your physician may recommend getting the MMR vaccine.
Checking titers can be a good option if you do not have your vaccination records or if you were vaccinated a long time ago and want to be sure you are still protected.
How to Stop the Spread of Measles
Besides getting vaccinated, here are other ways to help keep everyone safe:
- Stay up to date on your shots.
- Avoid being around people who are sick.
- Wash your hands often and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- If you think you were around someone with measles or start feeling sick, call your physician before going to their office. This helps stop the spread of the virus.
We Are Here to Help
Measles is serious, but it is also preventable. By getting vaccinated and practicing good health habits, we can keep our community safe. If you have questions about the MMR vaccine, want to check your vaccination status, or think you might need a titer test, Everwell Health Solutions is here for you.
We care about your health and wellness. Reach out to us anytime—we are happy to help!
To schedule a free meet and greet with Everwell Health Solutions click here.
