Measles: More than just a rash
As less people are getting vaccinated, measles cases have emerged in several states, including Missouri.
What you need to know
Measles is a very contagious disease (it spreads very easily). 1 person with measles can easily pass it to 9 out of 10 people around them who are unvaccinated or do not have natural immunity.
Measles can be very dangerous, especially for babies and adults with a lowered immune system. A significant number of measles cases will need to go to the hospital.
1 in 5 people who are infected develop pneumonia, which could be deadly. In some cases, a brain infection may happen and cause swelling, brain damage or death.
Herd immunity is key for preventing outbreaks in the community and protecting vulnerable groups who cannot get vaccines. 95% of a community being fully vaccinated by two doses of the MMR vaccine is needed for herd immunity.
Missouri’s measles vaccination rate of 90.5% is too low to protect our kids from outbreaks.
Lincoln County has a kindergarten measles vaccination rate of 92.37%
2 doses of the MMR vaccine provides 97% lifetime protection against measles.
Measles quick facts
Most measles cases are among preschool children, adolescents and young adults.
You are at risk for getting measles if you aren’t vaccinated, no matter your age.
Measles symptoms usually appear in 2 stages, starting 1 – 2 weeks after a person has been exposed to the virus.
The 1st stage starts with a runny nose, cough, a rising fever and eyes may become red and sensitive to light.
The 2nd stage begins about 3 – 7 days later and includes a high temperature and a red blotchy rash that begins on the head and works its way down the body.
If you have measles, you are contagious from 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after the rash appears.
It spreads through the air when a person with measles coughs or sneezes and can live in the air for up to 2 hours.
It can also live on surfaces.
