May 7, 2025
As spring blooms and summer approaches, we look forward to ball games, family vacations and joyful get-togethers. Yet, for some, a lingering worry about measles can cast a shadow over these plans.
With outbreaks reported in several states, including potential travel destinations, concerns are understandable. You can stay informed about current cases and outbreaks at cdc.gov.
As a pediatrician, I know many families have questions about measles, and I’m here to help. To address your concerns, I’ve put together a Q&A session to provide clear, reliable answers and help ensure a safe, worry-free summer.
Q: Is there an outbreak of measles in Arkansas currently?
A: As of now, Arkansas has reported four measles cases: one in Saline County, two in Faulkner County, and one in Sebastian County. Check healthy.arkansas.gov for updates. Infants aged six to 12 months traveling to Faulkner County or surrounding counties (Cleburne, Conway, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski, Van Buren, White) should get an early MMR dose. Children with one MMR dose should get their second dose early if traveling to these areas. Unvaccinated individuals eligible for MMR should get vaccinated promptly.
Q: How can I protect myself and my children from the measles virus?
A: The Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective in preventing measles if that person has received two doses of the vaccine. Following the normal vaccination schedule, the two doses of the MMR vaccine is routinely given at 12 months of age and four years of age. The MMR vaccine has a weakened form of the measles virus that cannot make you sick, but it trains the immune system how to recognize the measles virus so it can quickly fight it if you get exposed. Vitamin A does not prevent measles infection despite what some people might say. In fact, too much Vitamin A can be dangerous and harmful.
Q: What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
A: Five to 15 percent of children will develop a clinical fever (100.4 or greater). Five percent of children will get a rash. This is not measles, and children are not contagious if they have these side effects. Seizures may occur but they are extremely rare. There might be swelling and a knot under the skin at the injection site after any vaccination.
Q: Does the MMR vaccine cause autism?
A: No. Many large and well-designed studies and reviews do not support an association between the MMR vaccine and autism. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder and the increase in numbers in recent years is likely related to increased awareness, screenings and the expansion of the definition of autism to include a broader spectrum of severity and symptoms. There has also been increased services to previously underserved populations in recent years bringing screening to communities that have not had access to these services in the past.
Q: What do I need to know about measles infection?
A: Measles is extremely contagious. It is spread by droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. The virus can live for two hours in the air. Children are contagious four days before the rash or any other symptoms appear and four days after the rash appears. The virus will incubate in the infected person for seven to 21 days after exposure and before the rash appears. The initial symptoms of measles are like many viral infections and include fever, ill feelings, red eyes, runny nose and cough. There are specific mouth findings that are seen at this time (white, gray or blue elevations with a red base opposite the molars). Two to four days after fever starts, the rash appears starting on the head and moving down the body.
Q: Would catching the measles provide a stronger immune system after the infection instead of getting the vaccination?
A: Catching measles naturally does not strengthen the immune system. The measles virus can erase the memory of the immune system making a person susceptible to infections that they were previously immune to. There is no antiviral treatment after catching measles. Antibiotics can treat some bacterial infections but do not treat viral infections (including viral colds and measles). Measles can cause serious complications like pneumonia and brain swelling. One in five unvaccinated infected individuals will require hospitalization. A very serious long-term complication can occur in infected individuals seven to 10 years after the person has recovered that causes severe and fatal brain swelling.
Q: What about babies who cannot be or have not been vaccinated?
A: Babies do get some temporary protection from their mother’s immune system and breast milk, but it wanes quickly. In some circumstances, an infant can get vaccinated at six months of age, but it is only recommended in areas where there is an outbreak. If an infant does get the vaccine before they are 12 months old, this vaccine does not count for their two-dose series.
Q: What should I do if there’s a measles outbreak, we’re traveling to an affected area, have been exposed or are traveling internationally?
A: Again, an infant six months or older can get their vaccine but it does not count in their two-dose series if it before 12 months of age. If a child older than 12 months of age has had one dose of the vaccine in these circumstances, they can get their second dose early (if it is 28 days after the first dose) and that counts as being fully immunized.
Q: I have had two doses of the MMR vaccine, but with the new cases, do I need a booster?
A: Unless you have had a disease or procedure that damages your immune memory (for example bone marrow transplant), you should not need any boosters. If you are unsure, ask your physician.
Q: Are there any other outbreaks I should be aware of?
A: The whooping cough (pertussis) has increased in the number of cases recently. I have had patients who have been affected by this disease, and it has been found in patients locally. The DTaP and Tdap vaccines can help prevent whooping cough. The problem is infants under two months cannot be vaccinated. They are the most vulnerable to the complications of pertussis (they will stop breathing), so it is important to make sure that anyone around our children is up to date on their DTaP and Tdap vaccines. Recently, Louisianna has reported two infant deaths because of this preventable disease.
For more information or concerns about measles, whooping cough or other health issues, reach out to your healthcare provider. Stay informed and vaccinated to keep your family safe and enjoy a healthy summer!