Though measles was officially declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, the disease is making a comeback. As of April 11, a total of 121 measles cases were reported in 2024 in 18 jurisdictions, including Ohio, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 56% of these cases, the individual was hospitalized, either for isolation or for management of complications.

A Highly Contagious Virus

Though 121 measles cases may not at first seem concerning, that number could grow quickly because measles is highly contagious. The measles virus is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or when a person comes into direct contact with infectious droplets.

The virus can stay in the air for two hours after an infected person leaves the area. In fact, according to the CDC, if one person in a room has measles, 9 out of 10 people around that person will also become infected if they are not protected.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide due to declining rates of vaccination. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some people delayed wellness care for their children, including vaccinations. Others declined vaccinations.

To have sufficient immunity against measles across a community, 95 percent or more of the population should be vaccinated. In the United States, only 93.1% of U.S. children in kindergarten had received the measles vaccine in the 2022-2023 school year, down from 95.2% in 2019-2020.

Measles Symptoms

Measles is a serious disease that can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Symptoms appear about seven to 14 days after a person is infected and can include a high fever of more than 104 degrees, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.

Two to three days after these first symptoms emerge, tiny white dots – called Koplik spots – may appear inside the mouth. Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash breaks out. The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. The spots could have small, raised bumps, or they may become joined together as they spread.

Common complications of measles include ear infections and diarrhea. Severe complications include pneumonia and encephalitis, or swelling of the brain.

Of people in the United States who get measles, about 1 in 5 is hospitalized. As many as 1 out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia.

Vaccines Protect Against Measles

In the United States, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for long-lasting protection against all strains of measles. A child needs two doses of MMR vaccine for best protection:

• The first dose at 12 through 15 months of age.
• The second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.

Teens and adults should make sure they are up to date on their MMR vaccine.

Some people should not get the MMR vaccine or should wait, such as those who have severe allergies, are pregnant or have a weakened immune system or other conditions that make them vulnerable.

According to the CDC, measles cases in the United States originate from unvaccinated international travelers. The CDC recommends that before traveling, you should make sure you and your loved ones are protected against measles.

For details on the CDC’s MMR vaccine recommendations, including guidelines for individuals traveling outside the United States, visit Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know.

Check with your healthcare provider on whether the MMR vaccine is appropriate for you or your child.

If you are looking for an Aultman primary care provider, visit AultmanDocs.com.

Sources:

American Medical Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention