Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that has resurged in the US due to declining vaccination rates. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is the only effective protection. Two doses — at 12–15 months and 4–6 years — provide approximately 97% protection against measles. Call Spring Valley Pediatrics immediately if you suspect measles exposure or if your child has a fever and rash and is unvaccinated.
With measles cases rising in the United States this year, we are fielding lots of questions from concerned parents. Dr. Tara Mamdouhi is here to answer some of those.
Measles has been surging in the U.S. and abroad, and we want to make sure our patients are protected! Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through respiratory droplets. It typically begins with high fever, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic red rash that starts on the face and travels downwards. The rash typically appears about 3-5 days after initial symptoms. About 20% of people with measles will require hospitalization for things like pneumonia or encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Measles is particularly dangerous for babies and young children.
The good news is that we have a safe and effective vaccine to help protect against measles! The measles vaccine (which covers measles, mumps and rubella—also known as the MMR vaccine), is typically given at 12 months and 4 years old. For patients who are at increased risk of measles exposure, a dose of MMR may be given between 6 and 12 months of age for early protection. This dose does not count as one of the two doses needed for full protection. For children between 12 months and 4 years old who are at increased risk of measles exposure, the second dose may be given early in order to give full protection earlier. The second dose can be given as early as one month after the first dose.
As of now, there have been no known local outbreaks of measles in the D.C. area. Therefore, no early vaccination is needed for families staying locally. For families traveling internationally or to an area in the U.S. with increased measles cases, the CDC recommends that babies ages 6-11 months get one dose of MMR and that everyone age 12 months and older receive two doses of MMR (at least one month apart). If you have a child under 4 years old and have any international travel plans or plan to travel within the U.S. to areas with measles transmission, please reach out to our office about potential early vaccination!
Source: www.cdc.gov/measles
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of measles in children?
Measles begins with 3–5 days of fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. A characteristic red blotchy rash then appears, starting on the face and spreading downward to the neck, trunk, and limbs. Small white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots) may appear before the rash. The fever can be very high (104°F or higher) and the child is very ill.
Is measles really still a concern in Washington DC?
Yes. Measles was declared eliminated from the US in 2000, but it has returned in outbreaks linked to international travel and pockets of unvaccinated people. Washington DC is an international city with significant travel exposure. Maintaining high vaccination rates in our community is critical to preventing outbreaks.
How is measles spread?
Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases known. It spreads through the air via respiratory droplets and can remain infectious in a room for up to 2 hours after an infected person has left. It is contagious from 4 days before the rash appears to 4 days after — meaning people spread measles before they know they are sick.
What should I do if my child has been exposed to measles?
Call Spring Valley Pediatrics immediately. If your child is unvaccinated, the MMR vaccine given within 72 hours of exposure may prevent or lessen the illness. Immune globulin given within 6 days may be recommended for very young infants and immune-compromised individuals. Do not bring your child directly to the office — call first so we can prepare to prevent exposure to other patients.
Can my vaccinated child still get measles?
Two doses of MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection. Vaccine-induced immunity is very strong and durable. Very rarely, fully vaccinated individuals can be infected during large outbreaks — but they typically have milder illness and are less contagious.
