Rise in measles cases raises concerns

Measles cases are on the rise, and health experts nationwide are concerned. In fact, January marked the highest number of measles cases in the U.S. during the month in 26 years, according to County of San Diego health officials.

What's more, an outbreak of measles in South Carolina has grown to more than 876 cases. And in Southern California, there have been five confirmed cases in Los Angeles and Orange County, leaving experts concerned that declining vaccination rates and increasing misinformation about vaccines could contribute to a major measles comeback nationwide.

Dr. Tonya Henderson, a board-certified pediatrician with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group and associate chair of the pediatric department, hopes that by bringing awareness to the measles vaccine and its effectiveness, the spread of this once-eliminated virus can be stopped.

A deadly resurgence

“Measles is a highly contagious, preventable disease caused by the rubeola virus,” says Dr. Henderson. “Symptoms to look out for include high fever, cough, nasal congestion, red eyes and a rash in the mouth followed by a full body rash that spreads from the head down.”

Measles spreads easily when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. Symptoms can appear 7 to 14 days after the virus has been transmitted. Spots and rashes begin to appear in the days after the initial onset of symptoms.

“In some cases, measles can cause serious complications,” Dr. Henderson says. “Pneumonia, difficulty breathing, eye inflammation, brain inflammation, immune suppression and seizures are possible.”

Prevention as treatment

There is no medication to treat measles. Prevention is the best course of action, Dr. Henderson says.

In recent outbreaks, 94% of confirmed cases involve people who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Dr. Henderson emphasizes the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing the virus. “The vaccine is roughly 93% effective after the first dose and 97% after the second dose,” says Dr. Henderson.

This is especially important for children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine vaccination against measles and early vaccination during special circumstances. Children should receive two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) or measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine at the following ages:

• Dose 1: 12 to 15 months

• Dose 2: 4 to 6 years

However, during an outbreak or before traveling internationally, it is recommended that children get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible, possibly as early as 6 months of age.

What to do if your child gets sick

If you suspect your child has measles, Dr. Henderson warns against going straight to the doctor’s office. “A telehealth visit should be your first course of action,” says Dr. Henderson. “The virus can live in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves, making it a highly contagious superspreader.”

If it’s not a medical emergency, she recommends scheduling a virtual care visit to get guidance on the next steps and help prevent the virus from spreading to others.

“Getting your child vaccinated is the best thing you can do right now,” says Dr. Henderson. “It is completely possible to eradicate this virus again.”

Talk with your child's doctor if you have concerns about measles vaccination or infection. Your doctor can explain the benefits and risks of both vaccination options and help you protect your little one and those around you from serious illness.

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