Measles: What Parents Need to Know

The measles virus causes the highly contagious sickness known as measles. The infection can cause significant and even fatal complications. Fortunately, measles is a vaccine-preventable disease.

What Causes Measles?

Measles is triggered by a virus called the measles virus. It’s incredibly contagious and spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If you’re near someone with measles and you’re not vaccinated, there’s a very high chance—about 90%—you’ll catch it. The virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, making it easy to spread in crowded places.

Recognizing Early Signs of Measles

The first signs of measles often feel like a bad cold. Symptoms include:

• A persistent, hacking cough
• Runny nose and red, watery eyes
• A high fever, sometimes spiking up to 104°F (40°C)

One unique symptom to look for is Koplik’s spots. These are tiny red spots with bluish-white centers that show up inside the mouth a few days before the rash appears. The rash typically starts on the forehead and spreads downward to the rest of the body. It usually begins 3–5 days after the initial symptoms.

Common Complications of Measles

While measles might sound like a bad rash and fever, it can lead to serious health problems, especially in children under 5 and adults over 30. Some of the complications include:

• Ear infections: These are common and can cause temporary hearing loss.
• Pneumonia: A potentially life-threatening lung infection.
• Encephalitis: Swelling of the brain, which can lead to seizures or lasting brain damage.
• Diarrhea: This can lead to dehydration, especially in younger kids.

In rare cases, measles can even result in death. It’s a serious illness, which is why vaccination is so important.

The Importance of Measles Vaccination

How the Measles Vaccine Works

The measles vaccine is a powerful tool that protects against one of the most contagious diseases. It’s usually given as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccine. The first dose is typically administered when a child is between 12 and 15 months old, with a second dose given between ages 4 and 6. This two-dose schedule provides lifelong immunity for most kids, with about 95% of children gaining protection after the first dose alone. For those traveling internationally, babies as young as six months can receive an early dose for added protection.

Vaccination Schedules for Children

Here’s a quick breakdown of the recommended vaccination timeline:

Stick to this schedule to ensure your child is fully protected. If your child misses a dose, discuss catch-up vaccinations with your doctor.

Herd Immunity and Community Protection

When enough people in a community are vaccinated, a safety net called herd immunity is created. This doesn’t just protect those who are vaccinated—it also shields people who can’t get the vaccine, like infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Without this collective immunity, measles can spread like wildfire, especially in areas with low vaccination rates. By keeping up with vaccinations, families play a direct role in keeping everyone safer.

Preventing the Spread of Measles

Steps to Take During an Outbreak

When there’s a measles outbreak, quick action is necessary. Here are steps you can take to help control the spread:

1. Isolate the infected individual: If someone in your household has measles, keep them away from others, especially those who are unvaccinated or have weakened immune systems.
2. Notify local health authorities: They can help trace contacts and provide guidance on managing the outbreak.
3. Check vaccination records: Ensure everyone in your household is up-to-date on their measles vaccinations.

Acting swiftly can help minimize an outbreak’s impact and protect those most vulnerable.

Quarantine Guidelines for Exposed Individuals

If you’ve been exposed to measles, here’s what you need to know about quarantine:

• Vaccinated individuals: If you’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine, your risk of getting measles is extremely low. You likely don’t need to quarantine but should monitor for symptoms.
• Unvaccinated individuals: If you haven’t been vaccinated, quarantine is essential. Stay home and avoid contact with others for 21 days from the date of your last exposure.
• Post-exposure vaccination: Receiving the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure can prevent the disease or reduce its severity.

These steps protect you and help stop the virus from spreading further.

Travel Precautions for Families

Travel can increase the risk of measles exposure, especially if you’re heading to areas with known outbreaks. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Vaccinate early: Before travelling, infants as young as 6 months can receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine. They’ll still need the standard two-dose series later.
• Avoid high-risk areas: If possible, postpone trips to places experiencing measles outbreaks, especially if you have young children who can’t yet be vaccinated.
• Carry medical records: If someone in your family develops symptoms while travelling, having vaccination records handy can speed up diagnosis and treatment.

Taking these precautions allows you to enjoy your travels while keeping your family safe from measles.

Caring for a Child with Measles

Managing Symptoms at Home

Caring for a child with measles can feel overwhelming, but focusing on comfort and hydration makes a big difference. Here’s what you can do:

• Ensure plenty of fluids: Keep your child hydrated with water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions. Dehydration can sneak up quickly, especially if they have a fever.
• Promote rest: Encourage your child to rest as much as possible. Their body needs energy to fight off the infection.
• Control fever: Use non-aspirin reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help manage discomfort. Never give aspirin to children, as it’s linked to a rare but serious condition called Reye syndrome.

If light sensitivity, which is common with measles, becomes an issue, keep them in a cool, dimly lit room.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of measles can be managed at home, there are times when medical care is essential. Contact your paediatrician if:

1. Your child has difficulty breathing or persistent chest pain.
2. They develop a high fever that doesn’t respond to medication.
3. You notice signs of dehydration, such as dry lips, no tears when crying, or reduced urination.
4. Symptoms like confusion, seizures, or severe headache arise. These could indicate complications like encephalitis (brain inflammation).

It’s always better to err on the side of caution regarding your child’s health.

Potential Long-Term Effects

Most children recover fully from measles, but in some cases, complications can leave lasting effects. These include:

• Hearing loss: Ear infections during measles can sometimes damage hearing.
• Neurological issues: Rarely, measles can lead to encephalitis, which may cause long-term cognitive or motor problems.
• Weakened immune system: After recovery, your child’s immune system might be temporarily less effective, making them more vulnerable to other infections.

Staying vigilant during and after the illness helps catch and address any lingering issues early. Remember, your paediatrician is your best ally throughout this process.

Addressing Common Misconceptions About Measles

Is Natural Immunity Better Than Vaccination?

Some believe that getting measles and recovering from it provides better immunity than vaccination. While it’s true that natural infection can lead to immunity, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Measles can cause severe complications like pneumonia, brain inflammation, or even death. Vaccination, on the other hand, provides strong immunity without exposing your child to these dangers. It’s a safe, controlled way to protect against the virus.

Debunking Myths About Vaccine Safety

Concerns about vaccine safety often stem from misinformation. One common myth is that vaccines cause autism—a claim that multiple studies have thoroughly debunked. The measles vaccine has been used for decades and has an excellent safety record. Side effects, if any, are usually mild, like a sore arm or low-grade fever. Serious reactions are extremely rare, making the benefits of vaccination far greater than the risks.

Understanding the Risks of Skipping Vaccination

Deciding not to vaccinate doesn’t just put your child at risk; it impacts the community. Measles is incredibly contagious—one infected person can spread it to up to 18 others in an unvaccinated group. Skipping vaccination also weakens herd immunity, which protects those who can’t get vaccinated, like infants or individuals with certain medical conditions. In short, skipping the vaccine opens the door to outbreaks and harms vulnerable people.

Global and Local Trends in Measles Cases

Why Are Measles Cases Increasing?

Measles cases are climbing globally and locally, and it’s not a mystery why. A big factor is the drop in vaccination rates. During the pandemic, vaccine hesitancy grew, partly fueled by misinformation. As a result, the number of unvaccinated children has risen, creating pockets of vulnerability in communities. Globally, measles cases surged by 79% in 2023, with over 130,000 deaths, most of them children. Locally, the U.S. has seen outbreaks in multiple states, including California and Arizona, within the first two months of 2024. The disease thrives in areas where vaccination coverage has slipped, making outbreaks almost inevitable.

Impact of Vaccination Rates on Outbreaks

Vaccination rates are like a safety net for communities. When enough people are vaccinated, it’s much harder for measles to spread. This concept, called herd immunity, is crucial for protecting those who can’t get vaccinated, like babies under six months old or individuals with certain medical conditions.

However, the safety net weakens when vaccination rates drop below the recommended levels (usually around 95%). For example, even a single case can quickly snowball into an outbreak in areas with low vaccination rates. Public health experts often scramble to contain these outbreaks, but prevention through vaccination remains the most effective strategy.

Efforts to Eradicate Measles Worldwide

Efforts to wipe out measles have seen both successes and setbacks. On one hand, vaccination programs have dramatically reduced cases over the decades. For instance, the U.S. saw a 99% decrease in measles cases after introducing the vaccine in 1963. On the other hand, global challenges like vaccine access in low-income countries and misinformation campaigns in wealthier nations have made eradication difficult.

Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are working to bridge these gaps by improving vaccine distribution and combating misinformation. While progress has been made, the recent uptick in cases is a reminder that the fight against measles is far from over.