Q: Why should we care about the measles outbreak?
News — A: Measles is more than just a rash — it is caused by the most contagious virus known to man. Measles causes a respiratory illness with high fevers, tiredness, painful runny nose, cough and red eyes, followed by a characteristic rash. If not immune, 90% of people exposed to measles will get sick from the virus. Measles can be especially severe in young infants and those with a compromised immune system. A measles infection can lead to bacterial pneumonia, low oxygen levels that require hospital care and brain inflammation. Measles can be deadly in infants and for kids, one to three out of 1,000 will die if unvaccinated. Years after a measles infection, a fatal neurologic disease called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can develop, and there is no cure. Measles during pregnancy can result in stillbirth. Additionally, pregnant people also can become severely ill or die from measles.
Q: Why do measles outbreaks occur?
A: Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus. It can linger in the air for hours after an infected person has been in a given space. One person can infect up to 18 unvaccinated persons who have been in the same location. Because this virus is so contagious, having strong population-based immunity to measles is critical to preventing outbreaks. The most recent large outbreak of measles is due to vaccination rates dropping below 95%.
Q: Is measles preventable?
A: In the U.S., the measles vaccine is included in the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine or MMR plus varicella (MMR-V) vaccine. Healthy children and adults who have received two doses of the vaccine, spaced by at least four weeks between doses, need not worry about contracting measles or passing this virus on to others. Children who have received at least one dose and are not yet due for their second dose are also protected. People who received one dose of the vaccine and are overdue for the second dose may be at increased risk. A second dose is recommended.
Vitamin A does not prevent measles, only the MRR vaccine can prevent measles.
Q: What are the best ways to protect myself from measles?
A: Vaccination is the most effective and complete way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from measles. Very young infants and those who are immunocompromised may be eligible for a measles antibody (immune globulin) injection, but the antibody is not widely available.
Q: Is the MMR vaccine safe for all children and adults?
A: The MMR vaccine is safe and effective for healthy individuals 6 months of age or older. The vaccine is not safe for those with certain types of immune deficiency, including advanced HIV/AIDS and anyone who has had an organ transplant or is undergoing chemotherapy. Just like any vaccine, the MMR vaccine can cause temporary side effects (fever, localized pain/redness), and, rarely, can cause a measles-like rash.
Q: Given the measles spread, should children be vaccinated earlier than scheduled?
A: The only time children will need an accelerated schedule is if they will become immunosuppressed (undergoing chemotherapy, starting immunosuppressant medications, expecting a bone marrow or organ transplant or anticipated use of high-dose steroids for conditions such as asthma), or if they’ll be traveling overseas for an extended period. Contact your pediatrician for more information.
Q: Can you still get measles despite being fully vaccinated?
A: The MMR vaccine has an efficacy rate of 97%. If you are fully vaccinated, you are very unlikely to contract measles. If you do, you are very unlikely to become seriously ill from the infection.
Q: If I had two doses of MMR vaccine, do I need a booster?
A: Most people who received both doses will not need a booster. If you are unsure if you have received the MMR vaccine, your primary care provider can order a blood test to confirm protective immunity. People who received the MMR vaccine between 1963 and 1967 likely received an inactivated measles vaccine. They should receive at least one additional dose of the current vaccine.
Q: If an adult had measles as a child, is a booster needed?
A: Anyone with a prior measles infection does not need to receive the MMR vaccine. A measles infection induces lifelong immunity (just like the vaccine). Because measles was so prevalent before the MMR vaccine was released, most people born before 1957 were infected during childhood and therefore are now considered immune.
Q: What if someone under 6 months of age comes in contact with measles?
A: If the community has at least 95% immunity to measles, it is very unlikely that the youngest infants will be exposed to the virus because there is excellent “herd immunity.” Infants with an increased risk of exposure, such as those who live in or travel to an area with a known outbreak, can receive an antibody (immune globulin) injection to provide four to six months of immunity. This injection, available at some health departments, is not a substitute for vaccination.
Q: How should I handle a measles exposure?
A: How you should respond to a measles exposure depends on the vaccine and health status of the exposed person.
- Healthy individuals who have received two doses of MMR do not need to take any further measures.
- Healthy individuals who have received one dose of MMR and are due or overdue for a second dose should receive the second dose as soon as possible.
- Healthy individuals who have received no doses of MMR should be vaccinated as soon as possible.
- Healthy individuals who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine , pregnant people or those who have a severely compromised immune system (with or without prior complete vaccination) should contact their primary care provider or local health departments as soon as possible to determine if treatment measles immune globulin would be beneficial.
If you are concerned that you may have measles or have been exposed, please call ahead of time before seeking treatment.
Q: What is the current status of measles outbreaks in the U.S.?
A: Measles had been previously eliminated in the U.S.; however, there have been outbreaks over the past decade. There is a significant and growing number of measles cases in Texas. Visit for the current status of measles cases in the U.S.
Updated April 2025
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Contact:
Amanda Klingbail                                       
586.365.8654                                                      
[email protected]   
Andrea Finnigan
616.293.6050
[email protected]
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