Title: The Rise of Measles— Why Vaccination Matters More Than Ever

Written By Hilary Bryan

As a pediatrician, my priorites are to achieve the optimal health of the children and adolescents I care for, and promote the well being of the community I serve. The recent resurgence of measles across several communities in the United States and specifically in Virginia has significantly impacted these objectives. This once rare disease is now tragically making a comeback. And unfortunately it’s entirely preventable.

What is Measles?

Measles is a very contagious disease caused by the measles virus. Measles is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. The virus can live on surfaces or in the air for up to two hours. So even being in a room where a person with measles was present earlier can result in getting measles. Often people who have measles are contagious before they even know they have symptoms, and they remain contagious once they have symptoms. Nine out of ten people will get measles if they are unvaccinated, have never had measles, or if they have weakened immune symptoms

What are the symptoms of Measles?

Symptoms typically occur 7-14 days after exposure to the virus. The most common symptoms of measles include:

  • High fever (fever may be higher than 104 degrees F)

  • Rash which develops 3-5 days after initial symptoms and descends the rest of the body

  • Cough

  • Runny nose

  • Red eyes

  • Small white spots with a red background that occur inside of the cheek (Koplik spots)

  • Diarrhea

  • Ear infection

Children younger than 5 years old, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and adults older than 20 years old have a risk of severe medical complications from measles. One in five unvaccinated people require hospitalization due to severe complications.

Severe complications of measles include:

·       Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)

·       Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)

·       Deafness

·       Intellectual disability

·       Death

 What’s Happening with Measles?

In recent months, there have been confirmed measles outbreaks in multiple states including Virginia. Measles cases in the U.S. have surged this year, with numbers higher than we've seen in over a decade. The majority of these cases are occurring in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated populations.

How Can Measles Be Prevented?

Measles can be prevented through the measles vaccine.  The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is a safe and highly effective vaccine that has dramatically reduced measles cases since its introduction. Two doses of the vaccine can protect 97-99 of every 100 people. Children who are vaccinated develop lasting protection against measles.

The vaccine is typically given in two doses:

  • The first at 12–15 months

  • The second at 4–6 years

Children at higher risk of getting measles may need a third dose during an outbreak. In outbreak situations or for international travel, earlier vaccination schedules may be recommended. When a number of people are immune or protected from measles through vaccination, it is less likely to spread due to what’s known as herd immunity.

What Can Parents Do?

  • Make sure your child is up to date on all recommended vaccinations, including MMR.

  • Check your own vaccination records, especially if you’re planning to travel.

  • Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about vaccines. They can provide you with factual, evidence-based recommendations.

Final Thoughts

Measles is a preventable disease. No child should have to experience any symptoms or complications from measles, including death.  Vaccines help protect our children, families, and communities. Let’s work together to keep measles where it belongs—in  the past.

References

1.     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles Symptoms and Complications. Published May 9, 2024. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/

2.     HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics). Measles: What Parents Need to Know. Published June 11, 2024. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/vaccine-preventable-diseases/Pages/Measles.aspx

3.     Nemours Children's Health. Measles: What You Need to Know. KidsHealth. Published February 2025. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/measles-keeping-family-safe.html

Authored by Dr. Serwa Ertl, Board-Certified Pediatrician and Adolescent Medicine Specialist .

Hilary Bryan https://www.healthpartnership.org
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