Janie Slaven: How to protect yourself from measles

Janie Slaven, The Times-Tribune, Corbin, Ky.
·2 min read

Jun. 19—LEXINGTON — Over two decades ago, measles — a highly contagious and potentially deadly childhood disease — was declared eliminated in the United States. As of April 18, at least 125 measles cases have been recorded nationwide this year — more than double the amount of cases observed in all of 2023.

Measles most commonly affects unvaccinated children and 20-40% of infected children require hospitalization. Ear infections, pneumonia, long-term neurologic issues and even death can occur. In general, most will recover, but some will have complications from the infection.

The sharp increase in cases is due to:

— A national and international decline in measles vaccination rates

— International travel to areas with active outbreaks

— The extreme contagiousness of the measles virus. On average, one infected person can infect 9-10 other people, if unvaccinated.

Experts still consider measles to be eliminated in the U.S. but that could change if we don't continue to take proper preventative measures. In response to the increase in cases, the Centers for Disease Control has issued warnings to health professionals and the general public throughout the spring.

How do I protect myself from measles?

Fortunately, the best tool for preventing a measles infection is still highly effective. Measles is almost entirely preventable through vaccination.

One dose of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93% protective.

Two doses — the recommended number — are 97% protective against the disease.

Because of the inherent contagiousness of measles, 95% or more of a population needs to be vaccinated for the entire population to be protected from an outbreak.

Currently the U.S. has 93.1% vaccination coverage.

Kentucky has 91.6% coverage (of greater than one dose of MMR vaccine).

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles symptoms typically include:

— Fevers (can be very high)

— Cough

— Runny nose

— Red eyes

After the above symptoms, the characteristic red rash appears, starting from the head and spreading downward.

People with measles are thought to be contagious from about four days prior to developing the rash to four days after the onset of the rash (with the onset being day zero).

What to do if you think you've been exposed

If you're concerned you or your child have been exposed to measles, contact your health care provider immediately.

Many of us, fortunately, have never seen a case of measles in our lifetime. With a renewed focus on prevention, hopefully, we never will.

Nicholas Van Sickels, M.D., the director of infection prevention and control at UK HealthCare.