Written by Lauren Murphy, SIU School of Medicine
Disneyland likely failed to be so magical for several visitors who contracted measles at the California theme park in mid-December. The illness, which was declared “eliminated” in the U.S. in 2000, has spanned four states and sickened 39 people since the Disney outbreak occurred. But this is far from the first time Americans have seen measles since 2000.
“In 2014, the United States recorded the highest number of reported cases of measles since it was declared eliminated. More than 600 cases were reported to CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) from 27 states,” explains infectious disease specialist at SIU School of Medicine Dr. Vidya Sundareshan.
Though this burst in activity has mainly remained confined to the western half of the United States so far, doctors warn of the possibility of rapid spread of this highly contagious virus.
Should you be concerned? Here’s what you need to know about measles:
What is measles and how is it spread?
Measles is caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads through the air from coughing and sneezing as well as close personal contact or direct contact with the infected nasal or throat secretions. The measles virus can remain contagious in the air as well as on infected surfaces for up two hours and can be spread from four days before the onset of the rash to four days after the rash appears.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of measles, which begin to appear about 10-12 days after exposure to the virus, last 4 to 7 days. A high fever is typically the first sign of measles, followed by red and watery eyes, a cough, runny nose and small white spots inside the cheeks. About 7-18 days after initial exposure, a rash, usually on the face and upper neck, appears and then spreads to other areas of the body, including the hands and feet. This rash will last about 5-6 days before fading.
If the U.S. declared the virus eliminated, how did it reappear?
“Measles is still common in many parts of the world including some countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Africa, and travelers with measles continue to import the disease into the U.S.,” Dr. Sundareshan explains. The majority of the people who got measles are unvaccinated, so the virus can spread when it reaches a community in the U.S. where groups of people are unvaccinated.
How serious is measles? Who’s most at risk?
Though a safe, cost-effective vaccine exists, the virus is still one of the leading causes of death among young children worldwide. In 2013, 145,700 people from around the world died due to measles, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports. About 95% of these deaths occurred in countries with low per capita income and weak health infrastructures. Unvaccinated children, especially those who are malnourished, are most at risk of measles. Unvaccinated pregnant women are also at a higher risk.
What complications may occur?
The CDC estimates that about three out of 10 people who get measles will develop one or more complications, including pneumonia, ear infections or diarrhea. Complications are more common in adults and young children, and severe measles is also more likely to occur among young children with vitamin A deficiencies or who have weakened immune systems.
How can I prevent contracting the measles?
Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent the measles. From 2000 to 2013, measles vaccination prevented an estimated 15.6 million deaths, according to WHO. In 2013, less than 150,000 people died due to measles. By comparison, measles took the lives of approximately 2.6 million people each year before the vaccine was made widely available in 1980. In 2012, more than 90% of children 19-35 months had received the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, according to a report by the CDC.
If I have the measles vaccine, should I still be worried?
According to Dr. Sundareshan, “You can still get the disease, but symptoms are less severe and complications are lower as well.”
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois