Measles is in the news right now, so let’s talk about what this could mean for you and your family.

The recent measles outbreak started in west Texas among a community of unvaccinated and under-vaccinated individuals. So, the question is, are we likely to see it in Mississippi? And if so, what do we do about it?

I do imagine it will make its way here. Because of the frequency we all travel by car or plane, I think it’s likely for us to be in contact with someone with measles soon.
 

Here’s Why

Measles is incredibly contagious, particularly as it compares to even more common illnesses like the flu, COVID or RSV. 

It is an airborne virus that can linger in the air for hours. Someone with measles can get up to 20 other people sick. 
 

Cause for Worry?
 

Those of us who have gotten vaccines in accordance with the CDC schedule should not become infected with measles. 

MMR is a combination vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. Two doses of the MMR vaccine, which we typically give at age 1 and then again at age 4, is 97% effective to keep you from becoming sick at all. 

If you have been vaccinated and do contract measles, the illness is typically milder. The vaccine is quite effective in keeping you from becoming hospitalized with the illness or from getting complications like pneumonia or ear infections.

School age children who are up to date with their vaccines will be fairly well protected against measles. Keep your eyes open for symptoms, but you can rest easier because of how effective the vaccine is.
 

Symptoms
 

Symptoms can be demonstrated up to two weeks after exposure. With measles, we expect to see:

• Fever
• Rash
• Cough
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Red eyes

The rash is very noticeable and characteristic. It's not an itchy rash, but rather red spots that typically start on the face and spread to the whole body.

Treatment
 

Unfortunately, there are no antibiotics effective to treat measles since it's a viral illness. Treatment includes acetaminophen for fever, aches and pains, bed rest, humidified air, and gargling with salt water.

In advanced cases, respiratory support such as supplemental oxygen or assistive ventilation may be required.

Vitamin A can also be given, particularly in severe cases, as an adjunctive therapy. This is known to improve recovery but is not a curative therapy, nor are high doses considered prophylactic.

Protect Yourself & Others
 

In order to gain herd immunity for measles, we need 95% of our population to be vaccinated. While that sounds high, we had almost eliminated measles by the year 2000—so these numbers are achievable.   

As a blessed parent of a healthy child, you may be curious as to why it is necessary to vaccinate your child against an illness that you haven't seen in the last 30 or 40 years. However, measles cases are quite clearly occurring due to a lack of vaccination.

Because MMR is a live vaccine, we wait until age 1 to provide the first does. These vaccines generate a robust immune response that leads to prolonged immunity. However, that means that everyone under age 1 who is not vaccinated yet because they're too young is relying on your healthy older child to be vaccinated.

This is also true for the elderly, those undergoing chemotherapy or those who are otherwise immunocompromised. Their immune response would be weakened, making them more at risk to contract the illness and have a more complicated course of illness once sick.

The golden rule applies here: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.