Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent against measles. Measles vaccines are safe and effective. Photograph used for representational purposes only
| Photo Credit: Getty Images via AFP
The United States is in the grip of a measles outbreak at present, with a major chunk of these cases in West Texas. As of February 27, 2025, a total of 164 measles cases were reported by nine jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Rhode Island, and Texas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the country’s national public health agency. In 95% of these cases, the patients were unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown.
The outbreak, which began in late January, tragically claimed the life of a child, who was unvaccinated — the first such death in over 10 years — and another unvaccinated man has since died after contracting measles, though his cause of death is yet to be confirmed. The United States declared measles eliminated from the country in 2000.
Here is all you need to know about the disease:
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection. It can affect anyone, but is more common in children. According to the World Health Organization, measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases, spread by contact with infected nasal or throat secretions (coughing or sneezing) or breathing the air that was breathed by someone with measles. The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours. One person infected by measles can infect nine out of 10 of their unvaccinated close contacts.
While the disease is generally thought to be mild, that is not always the case: it can lead to serious complications (especially in young children) and even cause deaths.
Who is at risk?
Any person who is unvaccinated is susceptible. Children under five, pregnant women and persons with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications.
What are the signs and symptoms of measles?
Symptoms of measles (also known as rubeola) generally begin about 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms do not appear all at once: they may start with a cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever and red, watery eyes. Tiny white spots (known as Koplik’s spots) may develop inside the mouth or the back of the lips a few days later.
A rash generally appears a few days after the initial symptoms begin, and high fever may develop with it. The rash generally begins in the face and can then spread to the neck, arms, chest, back and the rest of the body. The rash is generally not itchy. On light skin it may appear red; on darker skin it may appear brown or purple. Spots may be raised or flat, and may join together and look like splotches. The rash can last five to seven days.
What are the complications that can arise from measles?
There are number of complications that can arise from a measles infection. These can range from mild to severe. They include: ear infections, diarrhoea and dehydration, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling) and blindness. Pregnant women who contract measles are at risk of having a premature birth or a baby born with low birth weight.
The WHO says most deaths from measles are from complications related to the disease. Complications are most common in children under 5 years and adults over age 30. They are more likely in children who are malnourished, especially those without enough vitamin A or with a weak immune system from HIV or other diseases. Measles itself also weakens the immune system and can make the body “forget” how to protect itself against infections, leaving children extremely vulnerable, it says.
What is the treatment for measles?
Since this is a viral disease, there is no specific treatment for measles. Rest, plenty of fluids, and a nutritious diet can help. Vitamin A supplements may be prescribed to reduce the risk of complications, and antibiotics may be given if there is another infection such as of the ear. Without complications, it generally lasts for 10 to 14 days.
How can you prevent measles?
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent against measles. Measles vaccines are safe and effective. The first dose is given to children when they are at nine months of age, or between the ages of 12 and 15 months. A second dose is given later, usually at 15 to 18 months. Two doses are recommended for full protection. In India, the measles vaccine has been part of the universal immunisation programme since 1985.
The measles vaccine is often given in combination with vaccines for rubella or mumps.
Since measles is highly infectious, it relies on 95% or more of the community being immunised to ensure community-wide protection.
Published – March 07, 2025 05:59 pm IST
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