WHAT IS MEASLES?
Measles is a viral infection that spreads in the air from an infected person.
It causes cough, congestion, conjunctivitis, fever, and rash in most people.
Many children will get an ear infection, diarrhea, and pneumonia.
IS IT SERIOUS?
Yes, it is.
About 1 in 5 people who are unvaccinated and get measles will be hospitalized.
Some individuals will get encephalitis (brain inflammation) and have developmental delays.
Even "mild" measles infections can cause prolonged complications and immune system changes.
HOW CONTAGIOUS IS MEASLES? WHY?
It is highly contagious because the virus spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
The virus can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. 9 out of 10 who are not vaccinated are at risk of becoming infected if they are exposed.
People may not show symptoms for up to 7 days after exposure yet they are contagious to others.
MEASLES VACCINE AND PROTECTION:
Children typically receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations
The MMR vaccine is highly effective, one dose is about 93% effective and two doses are 97% protective.
For most people, two doses of measles vaccination will provide lifelong immunity.
Breakthrough cases are very rare and typically milder in vaccinated individuals.
WHAT ABOUT EARLY MEASLES VACCINATION?
We are NOT making this general recommendation at this time in Maryland.
Maryland measles vaccination rates are high.
Newborns/Infants 0-6 months old receive some protection from measles through antibodies passed from their mothers during pregnancy
Families with infants 6 months-11 months can consult with us about early vaccination if you are traveling internationally or to an area of the U.S. experiencing higher measles infection rates.
We may give the 2nd dose of MMR early if traveling internationally
SHOULD ANYONE GET BLOOD WORK TO PROVE ONGOING IMMUNITY?
We do not recommending blood test to ensure immunity in previously vaccinated persons.
Your child's vaccine record is available to you in the portal.
Parents, if you are unsure of your own vaccine status, please talk to your trusted provider.
WHY IS MEASLES IN THE U.S. NEWS?
Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000 and cases remained low and isolated until 2014. Measles remained common in many parts of the world and this places the U.S. at risk of outbreaks in unvaccinated populations. There have been periodic outbreaks within the United Sates since 2019 in areas of the U.S. due to low vaccination rates, aka areas with decreased "herd immunity". Herd immunity means that enough people have achieved protection against the infection, making it very difficulty for the infection to spread widely in that community or region.
As of late, outbreaks have been identified in New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma; some of which have sadly led to hospitalizations and one death.
MARYLAND & MEASLES FACTS
Maryland currently has measles vaccination rates of about 96% which makes an outbreak less likely.
Sporadic cases could rise due to travel and decreasing vaccination rates in the U.S.
According to the Maryland Health Department, there have been three cases connected to international travel at Washington Dulles Airport, none of the three cases were connected to the outbreaks identified in the U.S.
For reference, there was one case of measles in Maryland in 2024, one case in 2023, and no cases from 2020-2022.
We are all recommending that all eligible children and adults get vaccinated.
A vaccination rate of 95% or more will disrupt broad spread of measles.
LAST THOUGHTS
This is a vaccine preventable illness.
The MMR vaccine was developed in 1971 and is safe.
The current vaccines are well-tolerated and have an excellent safety record.
Our office has a vaccine policy and we discourage any deferral of vaccines.
We are here to support you. Do not let a google search count as doing "research".
We all have algorithms and biases that limit our exposure to sound information.
Your child's wellbeing could be impacted by "confirmation bias", a the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values.
Please ask us questions - we are happy to set up a consultation.
Infographic credit - Nantucket Hospital
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