Measles is making a dangerous comeback — putting unvaccinated children most at risk.
On a recent episode of Medical Monday with Brian Haldane, Annie Contreras, MD, pediatric infectious diseases specialist and pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, shares insights about the resurgence of measles — what to know, how to recognize it and why vaccination is more critical than ever.
As of May 30, 2025, the U.S. has 1,088 cases nationwide and 3 deaths (all unvaccinated)
What Is Measles?
“Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets,” Dr. Contreras explains. “Just being around someone who’s infected is enough to catch it if you’re unvaccinated.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles will become infected. The disease spreads rapidly, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.
“We’re seeing this current outbreak in areas like West Texas and eastern New Mexico,” Dr. Contreras says As of April 7, when Dr. Contreras’ segment was recorded, there were 607 confirmed cases, and 97% of those were in unvaccinated individuals, 70% of them children. For the most current figures, visit the CDC’s measles data and surveillance page.
Symptoms and Timing
Dr. Contreras breaks down what to look for. “Measles usually starts with high fevers, up to 104°F, along with a runny nose, cough and pink eye. Then four to five days later, a rash appears. It starts on the face and spreads down the body.”
Though the rash is what often causes alarm, Dr. Contreras warns, “People are contagious four days before the rash appears and four days after. That’s what makes it so tricky. By the time you see the rash, the person has already been spreading the virus.”
Children with measles often appear very sick, tired, fussy, and disinterested in playing. “They just don’t look like themselves.”
How Dangerous Is Measles?
While some still think of measles as a mild childhood illness, the risks are real.
“The fatality rate is about one in every 1,000 cases. And right now, with just over 600 cases in the U.S., we’ve already had two deaths,” Dr. Contreras says.
Complications can also include dehydration, ear infections, pneumonia and even acute encephalitis, swelling of the brain. “It’s a very serious disease.”
The Role of Vaccination
“Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles,” Dr. Contreras says. “Even after one dose, the MMR vaccine offers 93% protection. After the second dose, that jumps to 97%.”
She emphasizes the importance of herd immunity. “We need at least 95% of the population vaccinated to protect those who can’t be vaccinated, like infants or immunocompromised individuals. But due to increased vaccine hesitancy, we’re seeing those numbers drop.”
Children typically receive their first MMR dose at one year of age and the second around age 4.
“We can also vaccinate as early as six months for children who are traveling internationally or during outbreaks, although that’s not currently the recommendation for most.”
Diagnosis and Treatment
“If you suspect measles, especially if there’s been known exposure or recent travel to an outbreak area, talk to your doctor right away,” Dr. Contreras urges. A PCR test, similar to COVID-19 testing, can confirm the diagnosis within one to three days.
“Treatment is mostly supportive, fluids and fever reducers, but in some cases, especially with complications like pneumonia, hospitalization may be necessary,” she says. “Vitamin A supplementation has also been shown to reduce disease severity.”
What To Do If Your Child Has Measles
“First, do your best to stop the spread,” Dr. Contreras says. “Keep your child home, away from school, public places and others. And communicate with your healthcare provider right away.”
Doctors’ offices often have protocols to minimize exposure to others while safely evaluating children.
Protecting Against a Preventable Disease
Measles is dangerous but preventable. As Dr. Contreras puts it: “This illness is mostly affecting unvaccinated children. We have the tools to prevent this.”
Staying on schedule with childhood vaccinations and keeping open communication with your pediatrician are the best steps parents can take.
