Posted On: March 13, 2025

Measles Guidelines and Recommendations: What You Need to Know

Measles cases are on the rise across the United States, including one at our very own Dulles International Airport, leaving many concerned about how to protect themselves and their families. This highly contagious viral illness can have severe health implications, including complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. The good news is that prevention is achievable with informed decision-making and proactive measures.

This guide will help you understand measles symptoms, vaccination recommendations, what to do if you are exposed, and how to safeguard your loved ones.

What is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contact with infected droplets. Each infected individual can spread it to an average of 15 other people. Its ability to linger in the air for up to two hours after a person leaves a room makes it one of the easiest illnesses to contract. Its effect on children is especially strong, with 20% of children who get measles developing pneumonia and other complications.

Symptoms:

Measles symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and often include the following:

• Initial symptoms: High fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
• Koplik spots: Tiny white spots inside the mouth may develop 2 to 3 days after the initial symptoms.
• Measles rash: A red, flat rash usually begins 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It starts on the face at the hairline and gradually spreads down to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Small, raised bumps may appear alongside the flat red spots.

During the rash stage, fever may spike above 104°F. Those with measles are contagious for about eight days, starting four days before the rash appears and lasting until four days after. On average, one person with measles can infect 12 to 18 others who are not immune.

Who Needs the Measles Vaccine?

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. Here’s an overview of vaccine recommendations:

For Children:

• Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended:
  • The first dose at 12-15 months of age.
  • The second dose at 4-6 years.

• Special case: Infants aged 6-11 months traveling internationally:
  • One dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended before international travel. After their first birthday, two additional doses should be administered, adhering to the standard schedule.

For Adults and Teens:

• All individuals after childhood should ensure their MMR vaccination status is up to date. The CDC recommends either one or two doses of MMR based on individual risk factors unless immunity evidence is present.
• High-risk groups needing two doses:
  • Students at post-secondary institutions.
  • Healthcare workers.
  • International travelers.
  • Close contacts of people with weakened immune systems.
• Special case: Adults born before 1957
  • Generally considered immune, due to the high likelihood of having contracted the disease during childhood before vaccines were widely available, leading to natural immunity. But in some cases, vaccination may still be advised.

It’s important to note that the MMR vaccine is extremely effective and provides lifelong protection for most individuals. A third dose is not typically needed, even during outbreaks. For more detailed recommendations, consult the CDC Measles Vaccine Guidelines.

How to Stay Safe

Being proactive is key to preventing measles exposure and spread:

1. Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations: Talk to your healthcare provider to confirm your vaccine status. If you’re unsure about your immunity, your doctor can perform an antibody test.

2. Contact Healthcare Providers Before Hospital Visits: If you suspect you or your child has measles, call ahead before visiting a medical facility to prevent possible exposure to others.

3. Follow Isolation Protocols: Medical offices, including ours, have strict protocols to isolate and manage suspected measles cases. These measures protect both patients and staff.

What to Do if You’ve Been Exposed

If you suspect you’ve been exposed to measles, take the following steps promptly:

1. Contact Your Healthcare Provider Immediately: Your physician can help determine whether you have immunity through vaccination or a previous infection. If not, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) administered within 72 hours of exposure may be an option.

2. Look Out for Symptoms: Monitor for signs of measles, including fever, cough, and rash, over the next two weeks. Avoid contact with others during this time to prevent further spread.

3. Isolate If Necessary: If you develop symptoms, stay home and avoid public areas for at least four days after the rash appears. This isolation helps protect others, especially vulnerable individuals, such as young children and those who are immunocompromised.

4. Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Severe Symptoms: If symptoms like difficulty breathing or confusion develop, seek urgent care. While no specific antiviral medication exists for measles, healthcare providers can address complications and manage symptoms.

Measles is a serious yet preventable illness, with vaccination offering the best defense against it. Ensuring your family’s MMR vaccinations are current is a crucial step in staying protected. If you’ve been exposed to measles or have questions about your immunity, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Remember, informed decisions can save lives. Take proactive steps today to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles.