Skip to main content
Facebook Twitter RSS
Labette Health

Health library

Are you protected against measles?

March 17, 2025—Think the measles is little more than a bad rash? Think again. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, and even a mild case can make you feel wretched for days. A severe case can be life-threatening—even fatal. And measles outbreaks still occur. In fact, in the first few months of 2025, measles outbreaks have sickened hundreds of people and caused at least one death so far.

The good news? The measles vaccine is widely available, safe and very effective, says the World Health Organization (WHO).

Why outbreaks happen

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. However, outbreaks still happen for a couple of reasons:

  • International travel. Travelers returning to the U.S. from other countries may bring the virus with them even before they know they are ill. It can take up to 14 days to develop symptoms, says the WHO.
  • Unvaccinated people. When groups of unvaccinated people live in close quarters, the virus can spread rapidly. Measles is so contagious that any one infected person can spread it to as many as 18 other people.

Measles symptoms

Measles is a respiratory disease. Its symptoms include:

  • A widespread rash.
  • Cough.
  • Runny nose.
  • Watery, red eyes.
  • Fever.
  • Sensitivity to light.

In serious cases, dangerous complications can develop, such as:

  • Encephalitis, a brain infection that causes the brain to swell.
  • Blindness.
  • Ear infections.
  • Deafness.
  • Pneumonia.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Dehydration.

Measles vaccination

The American Academy of Pediatrics, the WHO, CDC, and other major medical and scientific groups all agree: The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine offers very effective, lifelong protection against measles. And once you’re fully vaccinated, you won’t need a booster shot.

People who may need the MMR vaccine are:

Infants and children. Kids should get their first dose between 12 and 15 months and their second dose between 4 and 6 years, before they start school.

Unvaccinated teens and adults. This is particularly important for people who work in healthcare, attend post-secondary school or plan to travel outside the U.S.

Adults at increased risk for exposure who received only one shot in childhood. Following a measles outbreak among vaccinated children in 1989, medical groups agreed to start giving a second dose of the MMR vaccine. Even one dose provides solid protection, but if you are at high risk because of an outbreak in your area, talk with your doctor about getting a second shot.

Adults who received an inactivated measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967. CDC estimates that less than 5% of Americans received the inactivated, or killed, measles shot during these years. If you know you received this vaccine, get re-vaccinated.

If you aren't sure if you've been vaccinated, or if you have questions about measles immunity or the vaccine, talk with your doctor or your child's doctor.

Sources

Read more breaking news Related stories