Cases of measles are increasing in Texas, particularly in the panhandle region near Lubbock, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Despite being officially eliminated in the United States in 2000, measles continues to resurface. In 2024, there were 285 reported cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles often spreads when unvaccinated individuals travel abroad, contract the disease and bring it back to their community.
What Is Measles?
Measles, also called rubeola, is a highly contagious airborne viral infection. It spreads when a person infected with measles coughs or sneezes. According to the CDC, measles can stay in the air for up to two hours.
Symptoms of Measles
Symptoms usually appear within 7-14 days after an exposure but can take up to 21 days to appear. The first symptoms you will start to see include:
- Cough
- High fever
- Red, watery eyes
- Runny nose
Between 2 to 3 days after the first round of symptoms begin, you will start to notice white spots inside your mouth called Koplik spots.
Measles Rash
Koplik spots are followed by the measles rash, which typically appears 3 to 5 days after your first symptoms.
Measles rash will appear as flat red spots along your hairline. They will eventually move down your neck and to other parts of your body. You may also experience a fever higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I Get Measles If I’m Vaccinated?
Receiving the measles (MMR) vaccine remains the best way to prevent measles.
Dr. Jason Bowling, University Health’s director of hospital epidemiology, says one dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles. When you receive the recommended two doses, it becomes 97% effective.
“While the vaccine is not 100% effective, people who get measles after receiving the vaccine will more likely experience mild symptoms and be less contagious,” says Dr. Bowling.
Who Can Get the MMR Vaccine?
At the earliest, the MMR vaccine is available to children between 12-15 months old for their first dose, followed by their second dose between the ages of 4-6 years old.
If you are born after 1957 and vaccinated before 1968, you are also recommended to receive the two doses of the vaccine.
For other adults, Dr. Bowling says to check your vaccine records and see if you received the measles vaccine as a child. If you are not sure, it is okay to ask your primary care provider for the vaccine.
What If I Can’t Get the Vaccine?
“Ninety percent of those who are not vaccinated will catch measles,” says Dr. Bowling. There are some situations where you might not be able to get the MMR vaccine due to other concerns.
You should not get the vaccine if you have any of the following:
- Severe, life-threatening allergies
- Currently or may be pregnant
- Severely weakened immune system because of a disease or medical treatment
If you are someone who cannot receive the vaccine, the best thing you can do is avoid crowded areas, practice good hand hygiene and wear a mask if you go into a crowded space. Ask your provider if you have questions about receiving the vaccine.
Can I Treat Measles?
While there is no cure for measles, there are ways to manage the symptoms until it clears up.
You can manage measles symptoms with ibuprofen to manage pain and high fever. Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics if an infection develops as a result of complications. Antibiotics cannot treat measles because it’s a virus.
Dos and Don’ts During Measles
If suspect you have measles or start to show symptoms, do not go to an urgent care or emergency room.
Due to the highly contagious nature of measles, call your health care provider immediately and explain your symptoms. By not calling before going to your doctor’s office, you could cause further spread of the virus.
Dr. Bowling also recommends wearing a mask when you arrive for your appointment.
Prevention Is Key
The best way to prevent more people from getting sick is to build up herd immunity. This is when a large portion of the community take necessary precautions to avoid spreading an infection (i.e. getting vaccinated).
Help protect your community and stay up to date on your vaccines. University Health pharmacies offer vaccines such as the MMR, flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Access to Care
If you find yourself without health insurance and need assistance getting an immunization shot, University Health’s Institute for Public Health offers immunization resources that could help cover the cost of your preventive health services.
