by Dr. Tara Evans, DHA, MBA, RN l February 26, 2025
Introduction
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, and vaccination is our best defense against it. Thanks to the measles vaccine, this deadly illness was once declared eliminated in the United States. However, in recent years, measles has resurged in pockets of the country due to declining vaccination rates. In 2019, the U.S. saw nearly 1,300 measles cases in outbreaks—the highest number in decades (CDC, 2024). Today, with a measles outbreak unfolding in Texas, there is an urgent need for parents to immunize their children and prevent further spread. Public health officials warn that without broad community vaccination, measles can quickly return and endanger lives (CBS News, 2025). Vaccinating your child against measles protects them from a dangerous disease and helps prevent outbreaks in schools and communities.
What is Measles?
Measles (also known as rubeola) is a highly contagious viral illness. It typically starts with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (CDC, 2024). A telltale red rash appears after a few days of these flu-like symptoms, usually beginning on the face and spreading down the body. Measles spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after a sick person leaves a space. An infected individual can transmit measles about four days before their rash erupts until four days after, making it hard to contain early (WHO, 2024).
Measles is so infectious that if one person has it, up to 90% of unvaccinated people close to them will catch the virus. This high transmission rate underscores why prevention through vaccination is critical.
Risk Factors and Complications
While measles can strike anyone who isn’t immune, certain groups are especially at risk for severe illness. These include:
- Children under 5 years old: At risk of serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
- Adults over 20 years old: More likely to experience severe outcomes compared to adolescents.
- Infants under 12 months: Too young to be vaccinated, placing them at high risk.
- Immunocompromised individuals: Including those undergoing cancer treatment or with weakened immune systems.
- Pregnant women: Risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or delivering a low birth weight baby (CDC, 2024).
Complications of Measles
Measles can lead to various health problems, including:
- Pneumonia: Affects 1 in 20 children with measles and is the leading cause of measles-related deaths.
- Encephalitis: A rare but severe brain inflammation that occurs in 1 in 1,000 cases, causing seizures and potential long-term disability.
- Hearing Loss and Ear Infections: Affect up to 1 in 10 children with measles.
- Death: Between 1 and 3 out of 1,000 measles cases in the U.S. are fatal (CDC, 2024).
Disproportionate Impact on African American Communities
African American communities often face healthcare disparities that can lead to lower vaccination rates. Recent data shows that approximately 66.5% of African American children are fully vaccinated against measles by age 3, compared to 75.5% of white children (National Immunization Survey, 2024). This gap increases vulnerability to outbreaks. Chronic health conditions prevalent in these communities, such as asthma and diabetes, can further elevate measles complications.
Effectiveness of the Measles Vaccine
The measles vaccine is highly effective and safe. According to the CDC (2024):
- One dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles.
- Two doses increase efficacy to approximately 97%.
High community vaccination coverage leads to herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated. Health experts recommend that at least 95% of the population be vaccinated to maintain herd immunity. Unfortunately, falling below this threshold, as seen in the Texas outbreak, can lead to rapid measles spread.
Addressing Vaccine Myths and Controversies
Vaccine hesitancy often stems from myths and misinformation. Let’s address some common concerns with facts:
Myth 1: “The measles vaccine causes autism.”
This claim originated from a now-debunked 1998 study that has since been retracted due to ethical violations and falsified data. Numerous studies involving millions of children have found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism (CDC, 2024; Institute of Medicine, 2011).
Myth 2: “Natural immunity is better than vaccine-induced immunity.”
While natural infection may provide immunity, the risks of measles far outweigh the benefits. Contracting measles exposes individuals to serious complications, including brain damage and death. Vaccination provides strong, long-lasting immunity without these risks (WHO, 2024).
Myth 3: “Vaccines contain harmful ingredients.”
The MMR vaccine does not contain mercury (thimerosal) or preservatives linked to health issues. Vaccine ingredients are rigorously tested for safety and used in trace amounts necessary to preserve vaccine effectiveness (FDA, 2024).
Myth 4: “Healthy children don’t need the vaccine.”
Even healthy children can get severely ill from measles. Vaccinating your child helps protect vulnerable individuals in the community, including infants, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.
Vaccination Recommendations
Children
The CDC (2024) recommends:
- First dose: 12–15 months old.
- Second dose (booster): 4–6 years old.
Adults
Adults born after 1957 without documented immunity should receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. High-risk groups, including healthcare workers, international travelers, and college students, should have two doses. Pregnant women should avoid vaccination until after delivery but should ensure immunity beforehand.
Recent Measles Outbreak in Texas
As of February 2025, Texas reported a measles outbreak affecting over 120 individuals across multiple counties. Gaines County, at the center of the outbreak, accounted for 80 cases (Texas Department of State Health Services [DSHS], 2025). Notably, most cases involved unvaccinated individuals, highlighting the consequences of declining vaccination rates.
Local health officials report that roughly 18% of school-age children in Gaines County claimed vaccine exemptions, significantly below the 95% herd immunity threshold. Efforts to contain the outbreak include contact tracing, public health advisories, and vaccination clinics. Despite these measures, the highly contagious nature of measles has made containment challenging (CBS News, 2025).
Call to Action
The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and essential for preventing serious illness. Vaccination protects not only your child but also vulnerable members of your community. If your child isn’t up-to-date on their MMR shots, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or local clinic.
Public health officials urge all eligible individuals to get vaccinated to halt the Texas outbreak and prevent further spread. Visit Vaccines.gov or call your local health department for vaccination locations. Let’s work together to ensure no family has to suffer from a preventable disease.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Measles (Rubeola): Information for Parents. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
CBS News. (2025). Measles vaccine booster: What to know. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/measles-vaccine-booster-what-to-know/
Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Vaccine ingredients and safety. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/vaccines
National Immunization Survey. (2024). Childhood vaccination coverage—United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs
Texas Department of State Health Services. (2025). Texas measles outbreak report. Retrieved from https://www.dshs.texas.gov/
World Health Organization. (2024). Measles fact sheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles
Institute of Medicine. (2011). Adverse Effects of Vaccines: Evidence and Causality. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/13164