What is measles? Is it dangerous? What to know about symptoms, vaccines amid recent outbreak
Measles is on the rise in the U.S. once again, as cases of the preventable disease have been confirmed in several states in a spike beginning at the end of last year.
The widespread use of vaccines eradicated measles − a highly contagious virus that primarily affects children − in 2000 in the U.S., and most current cases have originated outside the country and occur in unvaccinated people.
As of Feb. 29, 41 cases of measles have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 16 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington.
Here's what to know about the measles virus.
Latest news: Michigan reports 3 measles cases as outbreak continues in Florida, other states
Map: See where measles cases are being reported across the US
What is measles?
Also called rubeola, measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily and can be serious or fatal for children who are not vaccinated.
While death rates have been falling due to more widespread use of vaccines, measles still kills more than 200,000 people a year globally, mostly children, according to the Mayo Clinic.
How is measles spread?
The measles virus lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person, and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. If others breathe contaminated air or touch a surface that has been infected, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected.
It can also live for up to 2 hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves that area.
According to the CDC, the virus is so contagious that if one person has measles, up to 90% of people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected. If you are infected by the measles virus and don't know it, you can still spread measles to others during a window of four days before through four days after the telltale rash appears.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles is more than a rash, though that is often the telltale sign of the virus. Here's what other symptoms the CDC says to look for if you're concerned of a potential measles infection. If you think you or your child have been exposed to measles, call your health care provider immediately as it can be dangerous, especially for babies and younger children.
The first symptoms may occur seven to 14 days after measles infection, and may present as the following:
High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Two to three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots, also known as Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth.
Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash will break out. It usually begins as flat, red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, legs and feet.
Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat, red spots, and they may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body. When that rash appears, the infected person's fever may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, per the CDC.
How is measles treated?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, according to the CDC, and medical care will help relieve symptoms and treat any complications, including bacterial infections.
Some children hospitalized with severe cases of measles might have a Vitamin A deficiency, and could be given the vitamin. But the best course of treatment for measles is prevention and vaccination, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
What are complications of measles?
Measles is serious for all age groups, however the following groups are most likely to have complications: Children under 5, adults older than 20, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.
Common complications from measles include ear infections and diarrhea. There are also more severe complications that could require hospitalization, which can include pneumonia and encephalitis, or a swelling of the brain.
One to three of every 1,000 children who are infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications, the CDC says.
What is the measles vaccine?
The vaccine for measles is administered in the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. According to the CDC, the MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles.
For the best chance of protection, the CDC recommends giving two doses of the MMR vaccine to children:
First dose: Given at 12-15 months old
Second dose: Given at 4-6 years old
One dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93% effective, and two doses are about 97% effective.
There's also the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine, which protects against all four diseases and is available for children 12 months old through 12 years old.
Can animals get measles?
Animals cannot get or spread measles, the CDC says. It is a virus that exists only in humans.
Where are the 2024 measles outbreaks?
CDC data on measles cases is updated weekly, and as of Feb. 29, 41 cases were reported in the U.S. The total case count for measles in the U.S. remains low, with the highest number of cases reported so far in Pennsylvania, Florida and Michigan.
Here's what states are reporting:
California - one confirmed case in Los Angeles County
Georgia - one case in the Atlanta Metro area
Missouri - one case in Clay County
New Jersey - one confirmed case in Camden County
Pennsylvania - nine confirmed cases, eight in Philadelphia and one outside
Washington - three cases in Clark and Wahkiakum Counties
Ohio - one case in Montgomery County
Maryland - one case in Montgomery County
Florida -10 cases Broward and Polk counties
Michigan - three cases in Washtenaw and Oakland counties
Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is measles? How is it spread? Symptoms, vaccine details, more
