Measles rash on face. (Photo: CDC)
The Ohio Department of Health will hos a news conference on March 18 to discuss the national measles outbreak and the importance of parents making sure their children are up-to-date on the MMR vaccine. Below is a news release from Akron Children’s Hospital on the measles outbreak.
Many parents think of measles as an old-time disease, and that’s true. Measles was a common childhood disease decades ago, but it is rare today in this country thanks to a vaccine.
However, millions of measles cases happen worldwide every year. Measles has made a comeback in recent years due to immunization levels dropping in some parts of the United States.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners decreased from 95.2% during the 2019-2020 school year to 92.7% in the 2023-2024 school year. That left approximately 280,000 kindergartners at risk during the 2023-2024 school year.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes a head-to-toe skin rash and flu-like symptoms. The virus spreads through droplets in the air – from coughing or sneezing – or touching surfaces that the infectious droplets landed on, such as countertops or doorknobs.
“Measles is the most contagious virus known today; 90% of unimmunized people who are exposed will develop a measles infection,” said Evelyn Pangonis, MD, a pediatric infectious disease physician and medical director of infection control at Akron Children’s. “Measles is currently spreading in areas of Texas and New Mexico. But, according to the Ohio Department of Health, no cases of measles have been reported in Ohio since July 2024.”
Measles symptoms
The first sign of measles infection include:
Hacking cough
Stuffy, runny nose
High fever (up to 104 degrees)
Sore throat
Red, watery eyes (pink eye)
Small, red spots with blue-white centers inside the mouth
About 3-5 days after symptoms begin, a child will break out in a rash, sometimes paired with a very high fever. The rash usually begins as flat, red spots on the forehead and then spreads down the neck, torso, arms, legs and feet. The fever and rash slowly go away after a few days.
Measles is most contagious from about 4 days before the rash starts until about 4 days after it appears.
MMR vaccine
The best way to protect your children against measles is to get them vaccinated.
Measles diagnosis and treatment
Doctors can diagnose measles through a physical exam, discussion of symptoms and laboratory tests.
Because measles is a virus, there is no specific medical treatment. But you can manage your child’s symptoms. Use saline nose spray or drops to help clear congestion, as well as a cool mist humidifier. Offer plenty of fluids to keep kids hydrated, and make sure they’re getting lots of rest.
In addition, you can reduce fever and discomfort with non-aspirin medicine, such as acetaminophen. If your child is older than 6 months, you can try ibuprofen. Do not give children over-the-counter aspirin or cough and cold medicines. They can be dangerous for young children.
Measles can become severe and cause dangerous complications, such as ear infections, croup, pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling around the brain). Children under age 5, adults older than 20 years, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of complications.
Call your child’s pediatrician if your child has:
A high fever and doesn’t look well.
Signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers than usual or no tears when crying.
Severe lesions in the mouth that make it difficult to eat or drink.
A barky cough.
Eye pain or sensitivity to light.
Get medical help right away if your child:
Has seizure-like movements (jerking of the arms, legs or body).
Is very drowsy.
Has trouble breathing or is breathing very rapidly.
Preventing measles
The best way to protect your children against measles is to get them vaccinated. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically given to kids when they’re 12-15 months old and again when they’re 4-6 years old.
“The MMR vaccine is very effective, and it is much safer than getting infected with the measles,” said Dr. Pangonis. “If your child is not up to date with their vaccinations, including MMR, I encourage you to get them vaccinated as soon as possible. Once vaccinated, if your child does get the measles, the risks of hospitalization and complications are much lower.”
