Meritus health advisory: Measles questions and answers

More outbreaks of illness reported across the country

HAGERSTOWN, Md. — With cases of measles being reported across the country, Meritus Health is providing answers to frequently asked questions related to the illness.

Within the past few weeks, measles infections have been found in southeast Pennsylvania and northeast New Jersey. That’s in addition to the late-January outbreak in west Texas and New Mexico. More than 150 people have measles in that outbreak, and one child in Texas has died.

“Measles is highly contagious, sometimes it’s fatal and it can cause long-term health defects,” said Anand Budi, M.D., chief medical officer at Meritus and a pediatrician by training.

What are the symptoms of measles, and what are the health effects?

Symptoms start with a high fever (spiking to more than 104 degrees); cough; runny nose; and red, watery eyes.

Within two to three days, tiny white spots may appear in the mouth. Within three to five days, flat red spots start to appear on the face at the hairline, then spread down to the rest of the body.

Measles can also lead to ear infections and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to hospitalization, pneumonia, brain swelling and death.

Is there a measles vaccine?

A highly effective vaccine — known as MMR because it treats measles, mumps and rubella — was developed in the middle of the last century.

Thanks to the vaccine, health officials declared measles eradicated in 2000 in the United States.

However, some people who are immunocompromised aren’t able to receive the measles vaccine. Others don’t get the vaccine for religious or personal reasons. And some children are limited by age but can still be infected.

To ensure these people’s protection against the illness, it is vital that those who can be vaccinated are.

“The vaccination is extremely safe,” Dr. Budi said. “There’s enough data, contrary to some of opinions that it can cause issues. The present measles vaccine has been well-tested and has been given to millions of people and found to be extremely safe.”

Does the measles vaccine I received as a child protect me? Do I need a booster?

Dr. Budi noted that no cases of measles have been reported in the tri-state region. However, patients have been wondering whether they are protected from the disease.

Most people were vaccinated as children. Many received their first vaccine between the ages of 1 and 4, then a booster between ages 4 and 6.

“If you received two doses, you typically don’t need to get a booster,” Dr. Budi said.