Understanding and Preventing Measles: Key Insights

Measles, typically uncommon in the United States, has become a growing concern among Americans due to a rising number of cases emerging in rural West Texas. Recently, a child who had not been vaccinated succumbed to the virus amid an outbreak in West Texas that has now surpassed 120 cases. Prior to this, the last recorded death attributed to measles in the United States was back in 2015, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition to the outbreak in West Texas, there have been nine reported cases of measles in eastern New Mexico. However, New Mexico’s health officials have stated that there is no direct link between their cases and the Texas outbreak.

To understand the implications of this virus and adopt preventive measures, it’s essential to know what measles is. This highly contagious virus predominantly affects children and is transmitted through airborne particles from an infected person’s breath, sneezes, or coughs. “On average, one infected person may infect about 15 other people,” noted Scott Weaver, director at the Global Virus Network. Only a handful of viruses rival measles in terms of contagion.

Measles initially targets the respiratory system before dispersing throughout the body, leading to significant symptoms, including a high fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a characteristic rash. Around three to five days following these initial symptoms, a rash of flat red spots typically begins on the face and then spreads downward to the rest of the body. A fever, sometimes exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit, often accompanies the rash at its peak.

Although there is no specific treatment for measles, medical professionals focus on symptom relief, preventing complications, and ensuring patient comfort. Significantly, individuals who recover from measles develop immunity and cannot contract it again.

While fatalities are uncommon, measles can be deadly. Commonly reported complications include ear infections and diarrhea. Approximately one in five unvaccinated individuals who contract measles require hospitalization. For pregnant women without vaccination, the virus poses risks of premature birth or giving birth to underweight infants. Among children, around 1 in 20 develop pneumonia, and about 1 in 1,000 suffer from encephalitis—a brain swelling that can induce seizures, deafness, or intellectual disabilities. “It’s deadly in a little less than 1% of cases, mainly in children,” said Weaver, who is affiliated with the University of Texas Medical Branch. Typically, death results from pneumonia or its complications.

To guard against measles, the most effective measure is vaccination via the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The CDC advises children to receive their first dosage between 12 to 15 months old and a subsequent dose between 4 to 6 years old. Weaver highlighted, “Before the development of the vaccine in the 1960s, everyone contracted measles. The introduction of the vaccine marked a pivotal moment, representing one of the most successful medical advancements.” Over the decades, extensive data have affirmed the vaccine’s safety and efficacy.

Ensuring community vaccination rates remain high can prevent outbreaks. If vaccination coverage surpasses 95%, outbreaks become highly unlikely. Consequently, declining vaccination rates, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have led most states to slip below this critical threshold for kindergartners, raising the potential for outbreaks.

For those questioning whether a booster is necessary if they previously received the standard MMR doses, health professionals occasionally assess immunity levels, offering boosters when needed, especially among those at high risk. This group might include family members living with infected individuals or those with other medical conditions that increase susceptibility. Weaver advises, “I don’t think everyone needs to run to their doctor if they received their shots as a child. Maintaining the standard vaccination schedule could prevent such outbreaks.”

In conclusion, resuming and enhancing vaccination efforts remain crucial in combating the rise of measles cases and protecting public health.