At least 300 measles cases have been reported across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease, which was once considered eliminated in the U.S. through vaccination, has caused outbreaks in 14 states.
So far, no cases have been reported in Indiana. But public health officials and schools in Marion County are raising the alarm and encouraging students to get vaccinated before spring break travel.
Shandy Dearth, an epidemiologist, said she is afraid Indiana and the nation are going backward as fewer families get their children vaccinated.
“When the vaccine was introduced in the U.S. it dropped the measles rate by 99%,” said Dearth, who works at the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IU Indianapolis. “There’s no reason to have a disease from the 1950s.”
Here’s what you need to know about measles and how you can protect yourself and loved ones.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious complications or death, especially in young children.
It spreads when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs, Dearth said, and can remain in the air for up to two hours.
Symptoms usually begin 10 to 14 days after exposure and include a high fever, cough, runny nose and full body rash. Severe cases can require hospitalization and lead to pneumonia and brain swelling.
A vaccine was first developed in 1963. It later became the MMR vaccine, which also protects against mumps and rubella. Every person in the U.S. should receive two doses, according to the CDC — one at 12 to 15 months old, and another between ages 4 and 6.
Between 2000 and 2022, the CDC said vaccination for measles prevented about 57 million deaths worldwide.
Who is at risk?
A community needs to be 95% vaccinated to achieve herd immunity for measles, according to the CDC. But rates in some communities have decreased, especially with growing anti-vaccine sentiment after the pandemic.
Dearth noted that unvaccinated people make up almost all the cases in major outbreaks happening in Texas and New Mexico.
Indiana is among at least 24 states where people can seek exemptions to vaccine requirements because of religious or medical reasons. Some children who are immunocompromised are at an increased risk for measles because they cannot take the vaccine.
In Marion County, about 86% of children ages 1 to 3 were vaccinated for measles, according to Indiana Department of Health data — which is lower than the national average of 91% coverage.
Dearth is concerned about outbreaks in local schools where not enough children have been vaccinated. Indianapolis Public Schools said if a measles case occurs, unvaccinated students will have to miss 21 days of school to prevent the spread.
Infants are also particularly vulnerable because they aren’t eligible for the measles vaccine until their first birthday.
“We really want parents and caregivers to have their two doses,” Dearth said. “You have to create a protective bubble around the baby.”
How do I protect myself and loved ones?
Most people have already received their two doses of the MMR vaccine as children. If you believe you’re missing a dose, you can check your vaccination records or go to your primary care doctor for a blood test that will show if you are fully protected.
If you need the vaccine, make an appointment at your local health department or check with your child’s pediatrician. Some pharmacies may also carry the shot.
Dearth said the false perception that measles is a harmless childhood disease is spreading, along with the idea that people can achieve herd immunity through “measles parties.”
Vaccination is the best way to protect against the deadly disease, which is one of the fastest-spreading in the world.
“I just want to remind everyone this is no chicken pox,” Dearth said. “Measles is much worse.”
Mirror Indy reporter Mary Claire Molloy covers health. Reach her at 317-721-7648 or email maryclaire.molloy@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @mcmolloy7.
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