New measles outbreaks in the United States: How to protect yourself?

MIAMI —

Health officials have warned that the United States could face a worrying rise in measles cases amid an upward trend in new patient registrations in the first weeks of 2025.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of February 20, 93 cases have been reported in eight states: Alaska, California, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Rhode Island and Texas. Of these, 92% are associated with outbreaks detected in different communities.

Dr. Carlos Riveros, an internal medicine specialist based in Miami and working in the United Medical Specialties clinical network, explains that this resurgence of measles is linked to a decline in vaccination rates in recent years.

"What happened with the pandemic is that people stopped going out, they stopped having contact, that's why the numbers regarding contacts with measles decreased a lot. But it also caused many people to stop getting vaccinated, many children stopped getting vaccinated for this type of disease that is prevented in childhood," the specialist explained to the Voice of America .

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. "Of every 10 people who are exposed to measles, nine end up infected," said the specialist.

Initial symptoms include fever, malaise, conjunctivitis and characteristic spots in the mouth, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads over the body. In more severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, encephalitis and even death.

Hospitalizations and higher risk groups

Of the 93 cases reported this year in the US, 25% have required hospitalization, with children under 5 years of age representing the most affected group (43% of hospitalizations in this group). In addition, 95% of those infected were unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown.

For Dr. Riveros, the key to stopping the spread of the virus remains vaccination. "The vaccine can prevent almost 100% of the disease or minimize its effect if the disease occurs," he said. He also stressed the need to keep sick children out of schools to prevent the spread.

How is it transmitted?

The virus is transmitted by air, through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even speaks. "It is a disease that is transmitted by respiratory means through the mucous membranes, just like any other respiratory virus," Riveros said.

A person with measles can spread the virus up to four days before the characteristic skin rash appears and up to four days afterward, significantly increasing the chances of spread.

The role of vaccines

Dr. Paul A. Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center and attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, noted that the United States managed to eliminate measles in 2000. However, the reluctance of some parents to vaccinate their children has facilitated its reappearance.

"Unfortunately, measles is back, largely because parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children. There are regions where enough parents have made this choice that it has allowed the virus to re-emerge," Offit said.

The doctor also stressed the importance of having the complete vaccination schedule. "If you received two doses of the recommended vaccine—one between 12 and 15 months and another between 4 and 6 years—you are protected. You do not need a third dose," Offit clarified.

Who should get vaccinated?

For its part, the CDC has published some recommended guidelines for vaccination:

Babies from 12 months of age (first dose).
Children between 4 and 6 years old (second dose).
Adults born after 1957 who have not received two doses of the vaccine.
People planning to travel to regions where measles remains endemic.

In this regard, Offit insisted that vaccination is key before traveling to certain countries. "If you are traveling to a region where measles is common, such as some parts of Europe, you should get the vaccine at least two weeks before the trip," he advised.

What happens if someone has not received both doses of the vaccine?

People who have only received one dose of the vaccine are partially protected and are at risk of becoming infected if exposed to the virus. "If you received the vaccine between 1963 and 1967 and never received the recommended additional doses, you are likely not fully protected," Offit said.

For those who are unsure of their vaccination status, it is recommended to check their medical history and, if necessary, receive a booster dose.

[This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized guidance, please consult a specialist.]