Measles outbreak: What to know and how to keep your family safe

If you’ve been hearing about the measles outbreak in Texas lately, you probably have questions about the virus, as well as how you can keep your family safe.

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection that can be serious for people of all ages—but especially children. Most people received a measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination during childhood to protect them from the virus. Without the vaccine, measles can lead to very serious complications and, in some cases, can be fatal.

It’s important to stay informed and take simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here’s how.

What is measles?

Measles is an infection that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. It often starts with flu-like symptoms and develops into a red rash. Before the MMR vaccine became widely available, millions of people were infected with measles each year, and many died.

The MMR vaccine is typically given in two doses and offers lifelong protection against the disease. Most people have received the vaccine when they were between 12 months and 6 years old.

Why is there a measles outbreak in Texas?

Wondering what caused the sudden measles outbreak in our state? The recent outbreak of measles in Texas is due to a low rate of vaccinations. Measles was declared eliminated from the US in 2000 because such a high percentage of people at that time received the MMR vaccine.

When the majority of people are vaccinated against a disease, it’s known as “herd immunity,” because if enough people are immune from the virus, it can’t spread as easily. This is how communities stay safe and well during flu season, for example.

The measles virus is very contagious and is easily spread through touch. It can also linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Sharing food or being in close contact with an infected person are some of the most common ways the virus spreads quickly between people.

This is why a measles outbreak can impact so many people in a short amount of time. Fortunately, being prepared and up to date on your vaccinations can help protect you and your family from getting sick.

How to know if you have measles

It’s important to be aware of measles symptoms, so you can get care quickly if you or a loved one gets sick. Measles symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and follow a distinctive pattern:

• Early symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes and a sore throat
• Koplik’s spots: small white spots inside the mouth
• Rash: A red rash that starts on the face and spreads downward to the neck, torso and arms

The good news is that those who has had the measles and those who have been vaccinated are protected and unlikely to get sick.  For unvaccinated people—particularly children—measles can be very serious and even fatal, so contact your child’s doctor immediately if you’re worried they may have measles.

What to do if you think you have measles

If you’ve been exposed to someone who is infected with measles or think you may have caught the virus, you can use the Help Me Decide tool in the MyBSWHealth app to check your symptoms or schedule a virtual care visit.

While waiting for confirmation from a healthcare provider, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, avoid public places and make sure your MMR vaccination is up to date.

If you or a loved one has tested positive for measles and start to experience complications, like difficulty breathing, confusion or profound weakness, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for measles, and treatment of the virus means letting it run its course—which can take two weeks. If you are experiencing mild symptoms, you can find relief by:

• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Resting
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Gargling with salt water to soothe a sore throat

While recovering from measles, make sure to stay at home and take it easy to let your body heal.

Staying well during the measles outbreak

The good news? Measles is preventable, and the best way to stay safe is by making sure you and your loved ones are up to date on your vaccinations. With just two doses, the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles.

To prevent the spread of measles during an outbreak, avoid contact with anyone who has tested positive for it and always wash your hands thoroughly.

If you think you have measles, stay home from work or school, and isolate yourself from others. Anyone in your family who is unvaccinated should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by health events like a measles outbreak. By protecting yourself and your family, you can make sure to keep your loved ones safe and well. If you have questions about the measles outbreak, reach out to your primary care provider.