Measles is a disease many thought was gone for good, but cases are climbing. Highly contagious and potentially severe, measles can spread quickly through communities, especially where vaccination rates are low.
In this ParentingU ExtraCredit, Kali Broussard, MD, pediatrician and pediatric infectious diseases specialist with Our Lady of Lourdes Children’s Health, breaks down what parents need to know about this resurgence — and how to keep kids safe.
This episode was recorded March 20, 2025. At the time of this recording the outbreak had only 300 cases and is now over 480 cases.
Why Are Measles Cases Rising?
“We’re seeing more measles cases now because vaccination rates have dropped,” Dr. Broussard explains.
Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000 thanks to widespread vaccination. But as vaccine hesitancy grows and global travel increases, the virus has found new opportunities to spread.
“It’s incredibly contagious, way more than the flu or COVID,” she adds. “If someone with measles walks through a room, the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after they leave. If you’re unvaccinated and breathe that air, there’s about a 90% chance you’ll get infected.”
Vaccination Is the Best Protection
The best way to protect your child from measles is to get them immunized. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective.
“The MMR vaccine is incredibly effective,” Dr. Broussard emphasizes. “One dose is about 93% effective at preventing measles, and two doses bring that up to 97%.”
Children typically receive the MMR vaccine at age 1 and again near their 4th birthday.
She stresses that vaccination doesn’t just protect your child. Immunization protects babies too young for vaccines, people with weakened immune systems and anyone who can’t get vaccinated for medical reasons.
Herd immunity, when a large portion of a community is vaccinated, makes it harder for the disease to spread. Measles requires about 95% of the population to be immune to stop its spread, and rates in Louisiana are well below that.
“Measles is very infectious and pretty easy at spreading between unvaccinated folks,” Dr. Broussard says. “And it’s doing just that.”
Dr. Broussard also recommends avoiding the areas of concern.
“We don’t need to be going to West Texas if we don’t have to,” she says. “Avoid sick folks if you can, but you can still catch measles even before someone starts to show symptoms.”
Early Symptoms: What to Watch For
Measles starts off sneaky, it looks a lot like a cold at first. According to Dr. Broussard, the early signs include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
“About four or five days into it, they get a rash that starts at their head, moves its way down, and the fevers continue,” Dr. Broussard says. “About 20% of patients with measles will get admitted to a hospital for some kind of care, whether they need respiratory support or fluids.”
Measles can also cause “immune amnesia,” which decreases the ability to fight off illnesses. “Your child may then be prone to more infections after they catch measles,” Dr. Broussard says.
One in a thousand kids with measles will get acute encephalitis, which is brain inflammation and swelling.
“One in a thousand kids with measles will die, which is very frightening,” Dr. Broussard says. “And one is too many.”
What to Do If Your Child Is Exposed
If you think your child has been exposed to measles, Dr. Broussard urges parents to call their pediatrician right away.
Do not go straight to the doctor’s office or ER without calling first. Measles spreads too easily. Your provider can guide you on what to do next while minimizing the risk to others.
