U.S. Measles Cases are Rising–Make Sure Your Family is Protected

Match 21, 2024

Kingdom East Families, Staff & Community,

Did you know that measles is known to be one of the most contagious viruses? Studies show that an infected person will spread measles to about 9 out of 10 people they come into contact with who are not vaccinated.

While there is only 1 reported case in Vermont, measles cases are currently on the rise in the U.S. and worldwide. Measles is not just a little rash. It can be dangerous, especially in children younger than five years old. Nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.

The best way to protect your family against serious illness is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR is safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

Measles is almost entirely preventable with vaccines. While most people in the U.S. and Vermont are vaccinated against measles, communities with lower vaccine coverage are at higher risk for outbreaks. Vaccinating your family protects other children from measles who can’t get vaccinated because they are too young or have medical conditions. Being vaccinated against measles is your best defense against measles.

Here’s how you can help keep your family, school, and community healthy:

Make sure you and your family are vaccinated against measles—especially if you plan to travel outside of the U.S. Measles is still common in many parts of the world. Every year, measles is brought into the U.S. by unvaccinated travelers who get measles while they are in other countries.

Children should get two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine—the first dose at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years.
Babies 6-11 months old who are traveling internationally should get an early dose of the MMR vaccine at least two weeks before travel.

If your child is sick with measles symptoms, stay home and call your doctor.

Symptoms usually start with a high fever, then a cough, runny nose, and red and watery eyes. A rash usually appears three to five days after the first symptoms.
If you do not have a health care provider, call 2-1-1 to be connected to care.
If you suspect measles, make sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, the hospital, or a clinic to let them know about symptoms. Because the virus is so contagious, the office will need to take precautions before you arrive.
While there is no treatment for measles, your doctor will have the best guidance on how to care for a child with measles.