Keeping kids safe from measles

The latest measles outbreak in the United States is leaving many parents worried about how to protect their children. This highly contagious virus spreads easily and can cause serious complications, but the good news is that it's preventable.

Measles, also called rubeola, spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, making it extremely easy to catch. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and white spots inside the mouth known as Koplik spots. A red, blotchy rash appears a few days later, starting on the face and spreading downward. In some cases, measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), or even death. Children under 5 and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

“The best way to control measles is by preventing exposure in the first place through immunization,” said Dr. Ayelet Rosenthal, Attending Physician in Lurie Children's Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. “Vaccination programs, when fully implemented, are highly effective.”

Because measles is so contagious, it spreads quickly in areas where vaccination rates are low. “Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases,” according to Rosenthal. “A person with measles is contagious even a few days before the rash appears,” making it difficult to prevent outbreaks without widespread immunization.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against the virus. The first dose is given between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose recommended between ages 4 and 6.

“Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide long-lasting protection,” Rosenthal explained. “One dose is 93% effective, while two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles.” While the measles virus mutates over time, it does so at a very slow rate, meaning the vaccine remains highly effective year after year.

Some children, including those under 6 months old or those with certain medical conditions, cannot receive the vaccine. In these cases, vaccinated family members and caregivers create a protective barrier around them by preventing the spread of the virus. If a child is exposed to someone with measles, parents should contact their doctor as soon as possible. “Your doctor can check if protective medication is needed,” said Rosenthal.

For parents who are unsure whether their child is vaccinated, medical records from a primary care provider should confirm their immunization history. If a child has not received both doses of the vaccine, experts recommend scheduling the shots as soon as possible. Families without a primary care provider can access vaccines at local health departments, some urgent care centers, and pharmacies that offer MMR shots for children over 7 years old.

If a child develops measles, there is no specific treatment, as antibiotics do not work against viruses. Parents can help manage symptoms by ensuring their child gets plenty of rest and fluids, using fever reducers if recommended by a doctor, and keeping the child isolated to prevent the virus from spreading to others. Measles remains contagious for about eight days — starting four days before the rash appears and lasting until four days after.

Because there is no cure for measles, vaccination is vital. “Healthy people who got two doses of the measles vaccine are considered protected for life,” said Rosenthal. However, in rare cases, people with severely weakened immune systems may not have full protection, even if they were vaccinated in the past.

If parents suspect their child has measles, they should call a doctor before going to a clinic or hospital to allow medical staff to prepare and prevent further exposure. “This allows health care providers to prepare and prevent exposure to others,” Rosenthal explained.

With measles causing concern as of late, experts emphasize that immunization is the best way to protect children and communities. “We know that vaccines work and are highly effective in preventing measles and its spread,” said Rosenthal. “This is why it is very important to vaccinate your child. When vaccinating your child, you protect them as well as other people in the community.”

• Children's health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.