You have probably seen the measles appear in your news food recently – we hope this is the only place you see – because the cases have increased.
Over 1,300 cases of measles have been reported so far this year – the most recorded since the disease was officially eliminated by the United States 25 years ago. (It was eliminated that there was no constant spread of the disease in the country for one year and new cases came from people who took it abroad.)
Thanks to America’s strong vaccination program, most of us have taken the measles, mumps and red (MMR) vaccine as a child and have not thought of measles for years. Or never. But measles is a serious illness.
Prior to the introduction of the vaccine in 1963, millions of people – mainly children – were infected with measles every year. And some complications can be serious.
So what about the increase in measles cases?
Although measles can be avoided if you receive the vaccine, the research shows that vaccination rates for children decreased from 95% in 2019 to 92% in 2023. And because measles is spreading so quickly, it is difficult to hold on to non -vaccinated communities.
Also, cases of measles occur in the US every year, when non -vaccinated travelers bring the virus to the country. Given the unforeseen capacity of the place and when the virus can start and spread, vaccination is really the only way to protect your health and the health of others.
What is measles?
Measles is a disease caused by a virus that invades the mucus on the nose and throat. Spread through air when someone with measles cough or sneezing.
The virus can live for two hours in a room where an infected person was – no need to be in the room anymore. (We know – yikes!) And if infected, up to 9 of the 10 people around you will also take the measles if they have not been vaccinated for the disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of infection usually do not start for seven to 14 days after exposure to the virus, which can make early diagnosis and stop the spread of measles a challenge.
The signs of measles grow in phases.
In the first round of symptoms, people may experience:
- Nose
- Cough
- Watery and/or red eyes
- High fever (can be up to 105 ℉)
Two to three days after the start of the initial symptoms, the small white spots called Koplik points Can appear in your mouth.
The most common symptom, the measles rash, will occur three to five days after the start of the first round of symptoms.
How do measles look like?
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An measles rash usually starts as flat red spots on the forehead near the hair line. Small bumps can also be formed over the red spots and the rash can spread to high attached turns under the body and legs.
The measles rash can also be different shades of red, brown or purple depending on the tone of your skin.
Is the measles deadly?
Measles can be fatal. The disease can cause life -threatening complications, including brain swelling and pneumonia.
Three people have died of measles in the US so far in 2025 and the study shows that 1 to 3 people out of 1,000 diagnosed with the disease will die from measles.
People receiving measles can also grow Subacute hardening patent (SSPE) – A lethal disease that affects the central nervous system, which is as a central command for your body and consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Anyone who has not been vaccinated is also at risk for children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, adults over 20 years of age and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to have serious measles complications.
Can adults get measles vaccine?
If you have not taken the vaccine as a child, you can still get the two -dose MMR recommended MMR vaccine. Just keep the doses at least 28 days.
And if you don’t know if you have the vaccine when you were younger, ask for your medical records. If you are not yet sure, an extra dose of the vaccine will not hurt – better safe than measles, we say.
You can also request a blood -careful blood provider (HCP) to find out if you are immune in measles.
Should adults get a souvenir shooting?
The MMR vaccine is long lasting and must protect you throughout your life. However, some people may want to consider being vaccinated again.
People born before 1989 received only one dose of the vaccine. This means that you are Rockin about 93% protection. Downloading the second dose – two doses is the recommendation today – boosts protection to 97%.
Also, people who were vaccinated before 1968 with an unknown type of measles vaccine or inactivated measles vaccine should be vaccinated with at least one dose. This is due to the fact that the vaccine used before 1968 was not effective.
I am also glad you are noting:
- If you are at an increased risk for mumps, an additional dose of MMR vaccine may be needed, but a public health man will arrive and let you know if this is the case.
- You can still get the vaccine if you have been exposed to measles in the past.
Watch: common diseases and their vaccines >>
Who should not take the measles vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, but there are some people who should not take the vaccine – or should wait to get it.
Talk to your HCP if:
- Had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or has life -threatening allergies
- You have an impaired immune system due to a state of health or medical care
- You have a family history of immune problems
- You have or have a health status history where bruises or bleeding easily
- I had blood transfusion
- Have taken other vaccines in the past four weeks
- Do you have a history of seizures or immediately family history of seizures
- They receive aspirin or other salicylates
Note for people planning to become pregnant: You should take the vaccine at least one month before you become pregnant and/or wait until you are no longer pregnant to take the vaccine.
Read: 10 adult vaccines should get >>
Stay up -to -date for fireplaces
THE Cdc It updates its website with the latest cases and stoves in measles every Wednesday. If you are not vaccinated – not too late. Talk to the healthcare provider about your choices to keep the measles in the vagina.
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