A measles outbreak is causing dozens of illnesses in West Texas, highlighting the importance of recognizing signs of the illness and preventing its spread. Measles, one of the world’s most contagious infectious diseases, can lead to serious complications, including blindness, pneumonia, or encephalitis, and even death.
The best protection against measles is vaccination, which has been found to be safe and effective. One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, while two doses are 97% effective. However, disease symptoms can be milder in vaccinated people, and they are less likely to spread it to others.
Symptoms of measles include a high fever, red blotchy rash, and Koplik spots. If you’re exposed to measles, getting the MMR vaccine within 72 hours can induce some protection or result in less serious illness.
Measles is so contagious that an infected person can spread the virus to others even before knowing they have it. Officials’ guidance recommends children get two doses of the MMR vaccine: one between 12 and 15 months and the second around age 4, before starting school.
If you got the first version of the measles vaccine or don’t know which type you received, the CDC recommends getting at least one dose of MMR. In addition to vaccination, people can treat their symptoms with fever-reducing medications, rest, and lots of hydration.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/19/health/measles-outbreak-warning-signs-symptoms-wellness/index.html