Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection
that primarily affects the respiratory system. It can cause serious health
complications, especially in young children.
How Does Measles Spread?
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes,
or talks. The virus can live on surfaces or in the air for up to two hours.
About 90% of people close to an infected person who are not immune will
become infected.
Why is Measles Considered Highly Contagious?
Measles is the most contagious virus known to humans. Each infected individual
can potentially infect another 18 people, and they can each go on to infect
another 18. This is why outbreaks can quickly escalate.
Who is at Risk for Measles?
Measles can affect individuals of all ages, but certain groups are more
vulnerable to severe complications, including:
Unvaccinated individuals: Anyone who has not received the measles vaccine or has not previously
had the disease.
Infants and young children: Especially those too young to be vaccinated.
Pregnant women: Measles can lead to complications such as premature birth or low birth weight.
People with weakened immune systems: This includes individuals with conditions like leukemia or HIV infections.
Adults older than 20 years of age: They can also experience severe complications, including hospitalization.
What are the Complications of Measles?
In addition to its common symptoms, measles can lead to several serious
complications, including:
Hospitalization: 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. with measles is hospitalized.
Pneumonia: 1 in 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the leading cause of death
from measles in young children.
Encephalitis: 1 in 1,000 children with measles develop encephalitis, leading to convulsions
and potential deafness or intellectual disability.
Death: 1 to 3 in 1,000 children with measles die from respiratory and neurologic
complications.
Pregnancy: Measles can cause premature birth or low birth weight in unvaccinated
pregnant women.
Long-term immune system damage: Making individuals more susceptible to other infections.
High-Risk Groups
Who is Considered High-Risk for Measles?
Certain groups of people are at higher risk for measles and its complications,
including:
Unvaccinated individuals: Anyone who has not received the measles vaccine or has not previously
had the disease
Infants and young children: Especially those too young to be vaccinated
Pregnant women: Measles can lead to complications such as premature birth or low birth weight
People with weakened immune systems: This includes individuals with conditions like leukemia or HIV infections
Get Vaccinated
The MMR vaccine is the best method to defend against measles, mumps, and
rubella for you and your loved ones.
Measles can be prevented by getting the measles vaccine, avoiding close
contact with infected individuals, practicing good hand hygiene, disinfecting
surfaces, staying informed about outbreaks, and maintaining a healthy
lifestyle.
What Vaccine Protects from Measles?
The best way to protect yourself from measles is by getting the measles,
mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is highly effective
in preventing measles, with two doses providing about 97% protection.
There is also the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps,
rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). This vaccine is only licensed for
use in children who are 12 months through 12 years of age.
How Effective is the MMR Vaccine in Preventing Measles?
The MMR vaccine is highly effective. A dose administered after 12 months
of age results in immunity in 93% of people, and the second dose increases
immunity to 97%.
What are the MMR Vaccination Recommendations for Children?
Children should receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
vaccine. The first dose should be given at 12 to 15 months of age, and
the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. Children can receive the second
dose earlier, as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose.
What are the MMR Vaccination Recommendations for Immunocompromised Individuals?
Individuals with compromised immune systems should consult with their healthcare
provider before receiving the MMR vaccine. Generally, live vaccines like
MMR might need to be deferred until immune function has improved. All
family and close contacts of immunocompromised individuals should receive
two doses of the MMR vaccine separated by 28 days, unless they have other
presumptive evidence of immunity.
Can Pregnant Women Receive the MMR Vaccine?
Pregnant women should not receive the MMR vaccine because it is a live
virus vaccine. Women who are planning to become pregnant should ensure
they are up to date with the MMR vaccine before conception. It is recommended
to avoid becoming pregnant for at least 4 weeks (28 days) after receiving
the MMR vaccine.
I don't know if I am vaccinated for measles or if I have immunity.
To determine if you are immune to measles, you can check for the following:
Vaccination Records: If you have written documentation showing that you received two doses
of a measles-containing vaccine (such as the MMR vaccine), you are considered protected
Laboratory Confirmation: A laboratory test can confirm if you had measles at some point in your
life or if you are immune to measles
Birth Year: If you were born before 1957, you are generally considered immune to
measles, as it was common before the vaccine was available
If you are unsure about your immunity, it is recommended to get vaccinated
with the MMR vaccine. There is no harm in getting another dose of the
vaccine even if you may already be immune.
Am I Protected Against Measles?
You are considered protected if you have written documentation showing
at least one of the following:
You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine
A laboratory confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life
A laboratory confirmed that you are immune to measles
You were born before 1957
I Am an Adult Now, but Only Got One Dose of the Measles Vaccine as a Child.
Do I Need a Second Dose?
If you were born after 1957, one dose of the measles vaccine is sufficient
to be considered protected from measles. Certain adults may need two doses.
Adults who are going to be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles
transmission should make sure they have had two doses separated by at
least 28 days. These adults include:
Students at post-high school education institutions
Healthcare personnel
International travelers
People who public health authorities determine are at increased risk for
getting measles during a measles outbreak
If you're not sure whether you are up to date on the measles vaccine, talk
with your healthcare provider.
Do I Ever Need a Booster Vaccine?
No, people who received two doses of measles vaccine as children according
to the U.S. vaccination schedule are protected for life and do not need
a booster dose.
If I am in My 60s or Older, Do I Need a Measles Booster?
Whether you need a measles booster depends on a few things:
If you were born before 1957, you likely already have immunity to measles
If you got the killed measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967, talk to your
doctor about getting the current MMR vaccine
If you don't know whether you got the killed vaccine or if you have proof
of immunity, check your vaccination records or ask your doctor
Most people vaccinated against measles are protected for life. However,
if you are unsure about your immunity or if you were vaccinated with the
killed measles vaccine in the 1960s, it is advisable to get a booster.
OU Health recommends that everyone should be up to date on their MMR vaccine,
especially during outbreaks.
Who Do I Call if I Want a Vaccine?
If you are not vaccinated for measles or have natural immunity (born before
1957) and you would like to get vaccinated for measles, please contact
your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider,
please visit
primary care to learn more. You can book an appointment online.
Can Vitamin A Help Treat or Prevent Measles?
Vitamin A cannot prevent measles, but it may help manage the illness in
infants and children, especially in severe cases or those with low vitamin
A levels. Most people get enough vitamin A from foods like carrots, bell
peppers, fish, broccoli, yogurt, and chicken. However, some may need supplements.
Since vitamin A can build up in the body and cause toxicity, especially
during pregnancy, it's important to consult a healthcare provider before
taking additional vitamin A.
Does the MMR Vaccine Cause Autism
There were a lot of concerns about this because of a now discredited publication.
Since then, many scientific studies in the U.S. and other countries involving
millions of children have reached the same conclusion:
The MMR vaccine does not cause autism.
Exposure and Response
I've Been Exposed to Someone Who Has Measles. What Should I Do?
Immediately call your healthcare provider and let them know that you have
been exposed to someone who has measles. Your healthcare provider can:
Determine if you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record,
age, or laboratory evidence
Make special arrangements to evaluate you, if needed, without putting other
patients and medical office staff at risk
If you are not immune to measles, the MMR vaccine or a medicine called
immune globulin may help reduce your risk of developing measles. Your
healthcare provider can advise you and monitor you for signs and symptoms
of measles
If you are not immune and do not get the MMR vaccine or immune globulin,
you should stay away from settings where there are susceptible people
(such as schools, hospitals, or childcare) until your healthcare provider
says it's okay to return. This will help ensure that you do not spread
it to others.
I Think I Have Measles. How Do I Get Tested?
If you think you have measles, contact your healthcare provider or local
or state health department. Testing typically involves a nasal or throat
swab, similar to COVID testing. Serology testing detects specific IgM
antibodies in serum specimens collected within the first few days of rash
onset. It is also possible to detect measles through urine specimens.
What Are the Isolation Rules if I Have Measles?
If you suspect you have measles, it's crucial to follow isolation guidelines
to prevent spreading the virus to others. Infected individuals should
be isolated from others to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes
staying in a separate room and avoiding contact with others, especially
those who are not immune. Measles is extremely contagious because particles
are very small and can stay in the air for up to two hours after a contagious
person has been in an area.
Are There At-Home Treatments for Measles?
If you suspect you have measles, it is important to contact a healthcare
provider immediately. They can provide a proper diagnosis and additional
guidance. If you do have measles, it's important to focus on relieving
symptoms and supporting recovery. Here are some recommendations:
Rest: Ensure plenty of rest to help the body recover
Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
Fever Management: Use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce fever
Dim Lights: Keep the lights dim to help with photophobia (sensitivity to light)
Clean Eyes: Use gentle cotton swabs to keep the eyes clean
Humidifier: Run a humidifier to soothe the airways
Do People Who Got the Killed Measles Vaccine in the 1960s Need to Be Revaccinated
With the Current, Live Measles Vaccine?
Yes, people who know they got the killed measles vaccine (an earlier formulation
of the measles vaccine that is no longer used) should talk to their healthcare
provider about getting revaccinated with the current, live measles-mumps-rubella
(MMR) vaccine. Not many people fall into this group; the killed vaccine
was given to less than 1 million people between 1963 and 1967. If you're
unsure whether you fall into this group, you should first try to find
your vaccination records or documentation of measles immunity. If you
do not have written documentation of measles immunity, you should get
vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. There is no harm in getting another dose
of the MMR vaccine if you may already be immune to measles (or mumps or
rubella). Another option is to have a healthcare provider test your blood
to determine whether you're immune, but this is generally not recommended.
Why Does My Healthcare Provider Need to Tell the Oklahoma State Department
of Health That I Have Measles?
Measles is an immediately notifiable condition in Oklahoma. Healthcare
providers must report suspected or confirmed cases to the OSDH, which
helps in tracking and controlling the spread of the disease.
How Can I Find Out About Potential Public Exposure to Measles?
The
OSDH posts potential public exposure notices on their website. This information
is crucial for individuals who may have been in contact with infected
persons. You can learn more at
Oklahoma.gov/health/measles.
What Are the Vaccination Rates in Oklahoma?
The OSDH conducts a
Kindergarten Survey to provide information on vaccination rates. This data can give residents
an idea of the vaccination coverage in their community.
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