Understanding Measles Risks Amid New Outbreaks

For decades, doctors and officials didn’t have to worry too much about measles. However, this potentially deadly disease has been making a comeback. Over the last few months, outbreaks have been reported in multiple states throughout the U.S. According to the CDC, over 10% of people infected with measles have been hospitalized during these outbreaks, the majority of them children under five.   

“Measles can do lasting damage, especially when it infects young children or people who are immunocompromised. There’s a risk of complications like pneumonia and encephalitis, which can be fatal,” said immunologist Rohit Katial, MD. These complications are rare but should be taken seriously when considering measles’ ability to spread rapidly. Even if encephalitis — which causes inflammation and swelling in the brain — isn’t fatal, it can lead to long-term emotional, behavioral and cognitive changes. There’s also evidence that measles can damage the immune system by eliminating our bodies’ stockpiles of antibodies.   

As this is written, there have been three reported deaths from the outbreaks. However, with new cases reported in different states every week, Dr. Katial worries that vulnerable populations could be severely impacted if they don’t take measures to protect themselves. Measles is 12 times more contagious than the flu and twice as contagious as COVID-19. Because measles is an airborne virus, simply being in the same room with someone who’s infected can cause you to become ill. The virus spreads primarily through breathing in droplets produced by coughs and sneezes. However, you also can become infected after contacting a surface where the droplets have landed and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. It’s worth noting that measles can live for up to two hours in an area after an infected person leaves the room.

“It’s important for people who get measles to avoid contact with others,” Dr. Katial said. “Measles resembles other upper respiratory infections, but there are a few distinctions you should look out for.”

Signs of Measles Infection

With the number of outbreaks increasing, it’s important to understand measles symptoms, which can resemble those of other upper respiratory infections. According to Dr. Katial, people with measles typically have the following:

• Cough
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Skin rash
• Small white spots inside the mouth
• Sore throat

Most measles infections typically last for a couple of weeks. Children affected by measles are especially prone to rashes, which can spread from the area around the mouth down the neck and arms. In severe cases, measles can result in complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, which can be fatal.

“Deaths from measles aren’t common,” said Dr. Katial, “but they’re preventable for the most part. Vaccination offers significant protection against infection.”

Fighting the Spread

The measles vaccine is our best tool in the fight against the illness. The success of the vaccine, along with widespread public awareness of its effectiveness, led to the illness being largely eradicated in the U.S. until recently. By 2003, 40 years after the measles vaccine was introduced, there were only 56 total cases in the U.S. Compare that to the 1950s, before the invention of the vaccine, when approximately 542,000 Americans were infected with measles each year. “The story of measles up to this point was a massive public health victory,” according to immunologist Rohit Katial, MD.  “We didn’t use to hear much about measles, but because of all these new cases, and the potential for new infections, it’s recaptured our attention. We have all of the tools we need to stop it from spreading. It’s extremely preventable.”  

An overwhelming percentage of recent infections are occurring in unvaccinated populations. According to the CDC, among people infected with measles so far in 2025, 96% have had an unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status. “It makes a lot of sense when you factor in how much protection the vaccine offers,” said Dr. Katial. “After just two doses of the measles vaccine, you’re going to have 97% protection,” said Dr. Katial. “And in the unlikely event you have a breakthrough infection after being vaccinated, you’re much less likely to experience some of the more severe complications of the illness. The vaccine has been around for a long time, and so there’s great safety data.”  

Typically, the first dose of the measles vaccine is administered to children 12-15 months old, with the second dose given from ages 4-6. However, adults are also eligible for vaccination. “The first dose of the vaccine is powerful by itself, with 94% protection,” said Dr. Katial. “But it’s important to get the second dose to maximize your immunity.”

The Future of Measles 

Will the number of measles cases return to pre-vaccine levels? According to Dr. Katial, this scenario is extremely unlikely, especially with so many people currently vaccinated against the illness. According to the most recent CDC data, over 90% of children in the U.S. are protected by the vaccine.

It’s the sheet effectiveness of the vaccine that makes further spread of the virus seem senseless. “I want everyone to know we have a tried-and-true solution to this problem,” said Dr. Katial. “It has a proven track record. It’s been working for decades, and it can work now.”