Measles: Protecting yourself and your family

Since the regular childhood vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella began in 1957, outbreaks of measles in the United States have been rare. Unfortunately, the viral illness has made a comeback, with recent cases in several states, including Arkansas and Texas.

Measles is a viral infection, not unlike a cold or COVID-19, but it is much more contagious. The infection rate among people who are not vaccinated is about 90%. And the infection can live on surfaces and in the air for three to four hours after the infected person has left the room.

A delay in symptoms adds more risk. Once infected, it takes 10-14 days for symptoms to appear, and you can infect other people three to four days before your first symptom appears.

The good news: measles is preventable

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella (a similar, milder virus), is given in two doses, a few years apart, and is very effective. The first one is given to children 12-15 months old, followed by a second one at 4 to 6 years old. Those two vaccines give people about a 97% immunity.

The bad news: vaccinations have dropped

The measles vaccine has been around for more than 50 years, but vaccination rates throughout the U.S. have recently dropped. As of early July, there have been 1,277 cases across the United States and, unfortunately, three deaths, according to the Center for Outbreak Response Innovation at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. Last year, the U.S. saw just 285 cases, and the number of measles cases in the U.S. so far this year has quadruple compared to 2024 and is nearing a 30-year high.

It’s more than a rash

Measles in kids can cause complications, ranging from diarrhea and ear infections to pneumonia and encephalitis. Encephalitis is an infection of the brain that can be fatal or lead to long-term consequences, including learning disabilities.

Keep track of your family’s immunizations

It’s a good idea to keep an immunization record for your whole family. Depending on where the shots were given, you can get copies of your family’s immunization records from your doctors or the health department.

If you don’t remember if you’ve been vaccinated, there’s no health risk in doing it now. A second dose won’t hurt you.

If you were born before 1957 and never received the vaccine, don’t worry. There’s a good chance you have natural immunity. However, high-risk individuals in this age group, including healthcare workers, may still be required to be vaccinated.

For most adults who are unsure of their vaccination status, we generally say that if you’re healthy and have a good immune system, getting a single MMR vaccine will give you enough immunity.