Measles, once thought to be eradicated in the United States, is making a comeback.
In 2014, the numbers of cases of measles in the U.S. tripled from lows seen in the late 1990s. The reasons include unfounded fears created by publication of a 1998 study, now discredited, that linked the measles, mumps rubella vaccine (MMR) to an increase in autism.
As fearful parents increasingly declined to vaccinate their children, the numbers of measles cases began to accelerate, with 644 measles cases reported to CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) in 2014.
“Measles is a highly infectious disease, but we can take steps to protect ourselves from contracting it,” said Margie Apacible, MD, a family practice provider at PeaceHealth Medical Group’s Battle Ground Clinic. “Measles spreads easily. When an infected person sneezes or even talks, they spray infected droplets into the air, where other people can inhale them. Those droplets can also contaminate hard surfaces, where the virus remains active for several hours. People who touch those surfaces and then touch their nose or eyes are easily infected.’’
“The measles virus can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours,” said Catherine Kroll, infection preventionist at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. “Because it is highly infectious, hand washing and cough etiquette aren’t sufficient for prevention. Anyone who believes they have measles should contact their physician’s office prior to visiting the office – to avoid exposing others. The provider can then make arrangements to safely see those patients.”
Those who suspect they may have contracted measles, should watch for symptoms including fever, body aches, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, and inflamed eyes. The patient may also develop tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background inside their mouth on the inner lining of the cheek, along with a skin rash of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another.
Measles follows a predictable course over a period of two to three weeks. The rash breaks out on the face first, particularly behind the ears and along the hairline. Over the next few days, the rash spreads down the arms and trunk, then over the thighs, lower legs, and feet.
Fever rises sharply, often as high as 104 to 105.8 degrees (F). The measles rash gradually recedes, fading first from the face and last from the thighs and feet. A person with measles can spread the virus to others for about eight days, starting four days before the rash appears and ending when the rash has been present for four days.
Those who have measles, should contact their doctor for assistance in monitoring the progress of the disease. Infected patients should get plenty of rest, drink an abundance of water, fruit juice, and herbal tea, and use a humidifier to relieve cough and sore throat. Infected people will be highly contagious for about a week, and during that time should refrain from contact with others. Nine of every 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will get ill.
“Many people are immune to measles today,” said Dr. Apacible. “Most people born before 1957 had measles as children, and gained a lifelong immunity to it, and most children born before 1998 have been vaccinated. Parents with children who haven’t received the MMR vaccination should contact their physician to discuss the risks and benefits of the vaccine. It’s never too late to take this step to protect our children.”
To talk with Dr. Apacible about vaccinations or other pediatric issues, contact the PeaceHealth Medical Group Battle Ground Clinic at (360) 666-3900. The Clinic is located at 720 West Main Street, Suite 115 in Battle Ground.
