Measles is making a comeback: How to keep you and your family safe

Measles, an extremely contagious respiratory virus that causes a distinctive rash, is in the news again.

Schools and day care centers in Columbus, Ohio, are experiencing a measles outbreak with 46 confirmed cases so far. Nineteen children have been hospitalized and all the cases are among unvaccinated children.

While this outbreak is not yet local, the danger of one occurring in our state is high:  measles immunization rates in Washington, and across the world, have dropped significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, a record number of children worldwide — almost 40 million — missed a measles dose, leaving them vulnerable to a measles infection.

“We have somewhat of a tinderbox situation on our hands,” says Mary Fairchok, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. “Pediatric emergency departments in the region are already teeming with children who have RSV, flu and other respiratory illnesses. It’s critical to do what we can to avoid a measles outbreak in our communities, which would endanger lives and put additional stress on hospital resources.

“Now is the time to get yourself and your family members vaccinated if you aren’t already,” Dr. Fairchok continues.

What measles is and how it spreads

Measles spreads from person to person through the air, causing fever, runny nose, cough and a rash all over the body. It’s a serious disease and can lead to health problems such as diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia and permanent brain damage.

The measles virus can remain in the air for several hours, so it’s possible to catch measles by entering a room where an infected person spent time hours before.

Measles is so contagious, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that 90 percent of the people close to a person who has it will likely get sick — unless they are immune.

While often referred to as a “childhood disease,” measles can infect anyone. Complications are more common in children under 5 and adults older than 20. Measles can be especially severe in people with weak immune systems.

In severe cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, cause other complications requiring hospitalization or even result in death. Pregnant people who get measles are at higher risk of experiencing both premature labor and miscarriage, as well as delivering low-birth-weight babies.

How to protect yourself and your family against the measles

Vaccination is the only way to protect yourself and your child from the measles. The MMR vaccine, which provides lifetime protection against measles, mumps and rubella, is extremely safe and effective.

To be fully protected, you must get two doses of the measles vaccine. The first vaccine is usually given to babies between 12 and 15 months, and the second dose is given when children are between 4 and 6 years old. Babies under a year old can’t get the vaccine in most circumstances, so they are especially vulnerable to infection if exposed.

Getting the measles vaccine within 72 hours after exposure may stop a person who was not fully vaccinated from getting sick. Unvaccinated, high-risk individuals, such as infants who are too young to get the vaccine, may be given another type of medication called immune globulin if they’re exposed to help protect them from infection.

How to get vaccinated

If you or your child need a measles vaccination, make an appointment with your primary care provider, pediatrician or the Mary Bridge Children’s Immunization Clinic. If you’re not sure whether you’re protected from measles, talk to your primary care provider.

What to do if you’ve been exposed or have measles symptoms

Measles is highly contagious. If you suspect you or your child has the measles, or may have been exposed to the virus and need care, please call your doctor or clinic before you go, so they can advise you on next steps.

Do not arrive at your doctor’s office, urgent care or other walk-in clinic unannounced, as this may spread measles to others.

For more information about measles, please visit the CDC website.