By Dr. Kimona Alin
Measles is Making a Comeback
In the year 2000, measles was declared eradicated in the U.S., but today cases are rising fast. In just the first three months of 2025, more than 600 cases have been confirmed—compared to 285 in all of 2024 and just 86 in 2000. The vast majority (97%) of recent cases are in unvaccinated individuals, and the disease is spreading within communities. If this trend continues, we’ll see more hospitalizations and even deaths.
What is Measles?
Measles isn’t new—it’s been around for centuries! There are descriptions of measles dating back to the 10th century, and its existence undoubtedly predates this. Many of us are too young to recall a time before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, when nearly every child suffered a measles infection before the age of 15.
Measles is a serious disease. Before vaccination was available, it caused a staggering 2.6 million deaths worldwide each year, along with severe complications like blindness, deafness, and brain damage. Thankfully, vaccines have changed everything.
Measles is a super-contagious virus: if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected (by vaccination or having had the disease previously). It spreads through tiny droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, making it incredibly easy to catch. Once exposed, symptoms typically appear within 1-2 weeks.
Measles outbreaks often start when unvaccinated U.S. travelers bring the virus back from abroad.
Symptoms
At first, measles feels like a really bad cold, with high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, 3-5 days in, a telltale rash appears—starting on the head and spreading downward to the trunk, arms, and legs. While most people recover, serious complications can occur, especially in young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Dangerous Complications
Measles isn’t just an annoying rash—it can be deadly. Some possible complications include:
- Ear infections and diarrhea – Common in young children.
- Pneumonia – The leading cause of measles-related death.
- Brain swelling – Rare but can cause deafness and intellectual disabilities.
- Pregnancy risks – Infection can lead to premature birth or low birth weight.
- Long-term immune suppression – Measles weakens the immune system. It wipes out the immunity you have acquired through past infections and vaccinations, making you susceptible to a variety of diseases for years after having measles. This is especially concerning for children, those who are immuno-compromised, and those in places where medical resources are limited.
Is There a Cure?
No. Treatment focuses on easing symptoms and managing complications. That includes:
- Antibiotics for pneumonia and ear infections.
- IV fluids for dehydration.
Prevention: The Power of Vaccination
The best way to protect yourself? Get vaccinated!
The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective. Two doses (usually given with mumps and rubella vaccines, called MMR) provide strong, long-term immunity.
And getting vaccinated yourself protects others, because when 95% of a community is vaccinated, it creates “herd immunity” and helps to protect those who can’t get the shot (like infants and people with weakened immune systems).
Anyone born before 1957 is presumed to have natural immunity and does not need vaccination. If you received your measles vaccine between 1963 and 1968, an inactivated form of the virus was used that is not as effective. A blood test can measure your antibody levels and determine if you need another dose. But most healthy people who received their usual childhood immunizations will not need a booster shot.
Myths Debunked
- The MMR vaccine does NOT cause autism—there’s zero scientific evidence for this.
- Good hygiene alone won’t stop measles—it spreads through the air, not just dirty hands!
- High-dose Vitamin A supplements are not safe in general use to prevent or treat measles. Very occasionally, a medical provider may prescribe this for patients who are severely malnourished. Even in these cases, a medical provider should oversee this treatment because too much Vitamin A can damage the liver.
- Cod liver oil is not a safe preventive or treatment for measles. You would have to drink 1 cup of cod liver oil a day for two days to equal the high dose Vitamin A treatment mentioned above. Again, without a provider’s oversight, this could damage the liver.
The Bottom Line
Measles is back, but we can eradicate it again.
The MMR vaccine prevents thousands of deaths worldwide every year.
Getting vaccinated is MUCH safer than getting measles!
The vaccine is our best defense, not just for ourselves, but for those around us. Protect your health, your community, and future generations—get vaccinated!
