7 Things to Know About Measles

We’ve all been hearing about measles outbreaks lately, and there are some of us who barely pay attention to the reports, while others find the news terrifying. Here are seven things to know about measles, distilled from reputable Web sites.

1. Measles is a respiratory disease. The rash is secondary. We think of measles as a disease that causes an itchy rash, but it is actually a highly contagious disease spread through coughing and sneezing. The virus causes symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sore throat, red eyes, and a fever. The rash follows after those symptoms appear.  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention )

2. Measles can cause deadly complications. About 30% of people who contract measles will develop complications that can include pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea, brain swelling, and death. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention )

3. Adults and babies have the most complications from measles. These two groups also have the highest risk of death from measles. (National Foundation for Infectious Diseases)

4. Measles is contagious four days before and four days after the rash appears. The incubation period is 7 to 18 days. (Measles (Rubeola) – Topic Overview)

5. Most people born before 1957 are immune to measles. Once a person has had measles, they can’t get it again, and most people born before 1957 have had measles. (National Foundation for Infectious Diseases)

6. Some people decide not to immunize, and many are upset about that. Some parents think it is a matter of choice whether or not they immunize their children. Some think immunizations cause other disorders in children, such as autism. The autism claim has been debunked, but because a number of celebrities believed it, many of their fans followed suit. (The Anti-Vaccine Generation: How Movement Against Shots Got Its Start )

7. Some people can’t be immunized and are at risk from those in #6. Remember how measles is harder on the very young? Babies don’t receive their measles vaccination until 12 months. Also, there are people who are can’t be vaccinated, or for whom vaccinations have been ineffective. These include people who are allergic to eggs, cancer patients, and the 3% of people who do not develop immunity even after being vaccinated. (To The Parent Of The Unvaccinated Child Who Exposed My Family To Measles)

So there you have it. Seven quick facts about measles.  If you’re not sure if you are immune, there is a blood test that can tell you for sure. If you have questions about measles, ask your doctor.

Ann Silverthorn is a blogger who also writes about a wide variety of topics in numerous genres, including non-fiction, fiction, poetry, travel, and grant writing.

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