Understanding the Growing Concern of Measles: Insights from an Expert

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Measles cases in the United States are on the rise, with 45 infections reported in 17 states as of March 7, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This number is close to the total of 58 cases reported in the entire year of 2023.

Globally, a decline in vaccination coverage has contributed to a rise in measles infections and death, the World Health Organization has also noted.

This picture taken on April 5, 2019 shows a nurse preparing the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at the Rockland County Health Department in Haverstraw, Rockland County, New York. - A measles outbreak in the area has sickened scores of people and caused the county to bar unvaccinated minors in public places. (Photo by Johannes EISELE / AFP) / With AFP Story by Catherine TRIOMPHE: NY county measles outbreak spotlights vaccine religious exemptions (Photo credit should read JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images)

A nurse at the Rockland County Health Department in Haverstraw, New York is seen preparing the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in a picture taken on April 5, 2019. This comes in the midst of a measles outbreak in the area that has affected many people, leading the county to restrict unvaccinated minors from public places. The situation highlights the importance of vaccinations in preventing the spread of diseases. This photo was captured by Johannes Eisele for AFP.

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Why are measles cases popping up across the United States? Here’s what to know about the highly contagious disease

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world, so it's important to understand how it spreads, the symptoms, and why it's considered dangerous. The US numbers may seem low, but the impact of measles can be significant.

When it comes to prevention, a vaccine is available. But how effective is it? Do people need additional doses of the vaccine? And should individuals avoid areas where there are active measles cases? To get answers to these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Dr. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She has extensive experience in investigating infectious diseases, including measles, during her time as the health commissioner of Baltimore.

Measles is an infection caused by a virus and is known to be highly contagious. The virus is transmitted through droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of infected individuals. These droplets can land on someone else's nose or mouth, or be spread by touching contaminated surfaces. In addition, viral aerosols can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has been in the area.

Symptoms of measles can include high fever, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). Some people may also develop spots inside their mouth, followed by a reddish rash that usually begins on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.

CNN recently asked, "Why is measles considered such a dangerous disease?"

Wen: Measles is concerning for two main reasons. One, because of the seriousness of the disease. And two, because of how easily it can spread.

While most individuals with measles will recover without any issues, there are cases where even healthy individuals can face severe complications.

Manatee Bay Elementary School experienced a measles outbreak in February 2024. The outbreak is believed to have affected unvaccinated students.

Geoffrey Clowes/Sipa USA/File

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An additional case of measles has been reported at a Florida elementary school, sparking concerns about public health. According to the CDC, up to 1 in 5 unvaccinated individuals who get measles may require hospitalization. In addition, 1 in every 20 children with measles may develop pneumonia, and 1 in 1,000 may experience encephalitis, a serious brain swelling that can result in seizures. Complications such as deafness and lifelong disabilities can also occur.

Measles is a serious disease that can be deadly. In 2022, the World Health Organization reported that 136,000 people, mostly children, lost their lives due to measles.

Measles is highly contagious, making it even more dangerous. If an unvaccinated person comes into contact with someone who has measles, they have a nearly 90% chance of getting infected. Additionally, measles has a long incubation period, which means that a person could have the disease without showing symptoms for two to three weeks.

A Rohingya boy from Myanmar is seen receiving vaccinations against measles and tetanus from Indonesian health department personnel at a newly established confinement area in Bayeun, Aceh province. The vaccinations were given after more than 400 Rohingya migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh were rescued by Indonesian fishermen off the waters of the province on May 20, 2015. The widespread persecution of the impoverished community in Rakhine state is one of the primary reasons for the current regional exodus, along with growing numbers trying to escape poverty in neighboring Bangladesh.

(Photo credit should read ROMEO GACAD/AFP/Getty Images)

ROMEO GACAD/AFP/Getty Images

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CNN: Which vaccine can prevent measles, and how well does it work?

Wen: The MMR vaccine is very good at stopping measles. Getting two doses is 97% effective in preventing measles if you come into contact with the virus. Just one dose is about 93% effective.

CNN: When is the recommended time to get the MMR vaccine?

Wen: According to the CDC, it is advised that all children get two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is recommended between 1 year and 15 months of age, with the second dose given between 4 to 6 years old.

Older kids who have not received the MMR vaccine can get two doses, with at least 28 days between each dose. For adults without presumed immunity, it is recommended to get at least one dose. However, many adults, such as university students, healthcare workers, and international travelers, are advised to get two doses for full protection.

A mother is holding her child while they are getting a measles vaccine at the Department of Health (DOH) headquarters in Manila. The DOH has started a nationwide campaign to vaccinate 13 million children up to five years old. The goal is to protect them against measles.

(Photo credit: NOEL CELIS/AFP/Getty Images)

NOEL CELIS/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

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Each year, over 20 million children around the world do not receive the measles vaccine.

According to the CDC, adults born before 1957 are generally considered to have immunity. Your doctor can also conduct laboratory tests to confirm immunity through vaccination or past infection.

CNN: Should individuals receive a third MMR shot?

Wen: According to the CDC, it is not typically necessary for those who have already received two doses of the MMR vaccine or have immunity from a previous infection to get an additional MMR shot.

CNN: Are there specific considerations for MMR vaccination during outbreaks?

Wen: During measles outbreaks, local and state health departments, along with the CDC, may provide extra guidance on vaccination. It may be suggested that individuals who have only had one dose of the MMR vaccine get the second dose. The vaccination schedule may be sped up, with health officials advising that babies aged 6 to 11 months get their first dose early, and children get their second dose before turning 4 years old.

Located in Sacramento, California, the UC Davis Medical Center has been in the spotlight recently. A Solano County resident with the first confirmed case of community-acquired Coronavirus COVID-19 has been receiving treatment at the medical center. The patient has been isolated and under care at UC Davis Medical Center for the past week.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 27: A view of UC Davis Medical Center on February 27, 2020 in Sacramento, California. A Solano County, California resident who is the first confirmed case of the Coronavirus COVID-19 that was "community acquired" has been held in isolation while undergoing treatment at the UC Davis Medical Center for the past week. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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About 300 people at a California hospital may have been exposed to measles after a child received treatment there.

Officials could also recommend something called post-exposure prophylaxis. This means that unvaccinated individuals who were in contact with someone with measles can get the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure. This can help lower their risk of getting infected and spreading the virus to others.

CNN: Is it necessary to avoid traveling to areas in the US with measles cases?

Wen: Currently, it is not necessary to avoid travel to these areas. However, it is important for everyone to make sure they have received their MMR vaccines. Those who are immunocompromised or have serious medical conditions may want to take extra precautions against respiratory viruses while traveling.

CNN: Measles cases seem to be increasing - but why?

Wen: To stop measles from spreading, the CDC says 95% of people need to be vaccinated. But the number of vaccinations is going down. A report from January 2023 shows that only around 92% of American children have received the MMR vaccine by the time they turn 2.

Measles and other infectious diseases can easily spread if enough people in our society are not immune. It would be devastating to see these diseases make a comeback, especially when we have effective vaccines that have already saved countless lives.

Editor's P/S:

The recent rise in measles cases in the United States is a cause for concern, highlighting the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death. The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles, and it is recommended that all children receive two doses. It is also crucial to ensure that adults who have not received the MMR vaccine get vaccinated.

To address the decline in vaccination rates, it is essential to promote the importance of vaccines and address the misinformation that has led to vaccine hesitancy. Public health campaigns, educational initiatives, and increased access to vaccinations are necessary to protect our communities from preventable diseases. By working together, we can strengthen our collective immunity and prevent the resurgence of dangerous diseases like measles. to prevent the spread of measles and protect our communities from this dangerous disease.