We’ve seen the stories everywhere – cases of measles on the rise. On April 4, 2025, the CDC reported 600 plus confirmed cases in the United States. This week, it came to my home state of Indiana.
Measles was declared eradicated in the United States in 2000, so why does it seem like we are seeing a surge in cases and are we really?
What Is Measles? And Who Is At Risk?
Measles (Ruebola) is a highly contagious virus that spreads via airborne droplets when someone breathes, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can remain in the air and on surfaces for hours after the affected person has left.
Most people infected with the virus have flu-like symptoms and a widespread rash. Measles can cause several other symptoms including:
- Rash in the mouth and throat
- Vomiting and Diarrhea
- Dry, barky cough
- Sore Throat
- Muscle aches and pains
- Fatigue
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
The tricky thing about measles is that during the first 10-14 days after exposure, while the virus incubates in the body, there are no symptoms. This time frame is followed by 2-3 days of generic, non-specific symptoms such as cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, and runny nose.
After these symptoms subside, a higher fever and a widespread rash appear. A rash caused by the measles virus is distinct in its appearance of tightly packed small red bumps that are sometimes raised. The rash starts on the face and develops downward on the body. The virus is most contagious four days before the rash appears and four days after the rash erupts.
Those who are unvaccinated and under the age of 5 and over the age of 30 are at risk of contracting the measles. “Unvaccinated young children and pregnant persons are at the highest risk of severe measles complications,” states the WHO (World Health Organization).
Measels By The Numbers
According to the WHO, before 1963, when the measles vaccine became widely available and implemented, measles epidemics were common every few years and caused an estimated 2.3 million deaths a year. They also estimate that in 2023, over 100 thousand people died from the measles – mainly unvaccinated children under the age of 5.
After looking at those numbers, one might think, why should we be concerned about a few hundred cases? According to the CDC, the number of measles cases in the United States in 2024 was only 285. As of April 4, 2025, they are reporting 607 cases this year. Of the reported cases this year, 12 percent have been hospitalized, with three reported deaths.
Another thing to consider is the demographics of the virus – that is, who is most affected by it. The 2024 data shows a fairly even population distribution between the age ranges of 0-5, 5-19, and 20 + years. The 2025 data shows the highest percentage affected are those from 5- 19 years of age, closely followed by those under the age of 5.
Of the cases reported and treated this year, 97 percent were either not vaccinated or didn’t know if they had previously been vaccinated.
Should We Be Concerned About Measles?
The WHO states that “the measles is usually a mild to moderate disease.” Concern comes from other possible infections that can occur while a person has the measles or development of serious post infection complications.
Complications and co-infections that can occur with the measles are
- Secondary ear infection
- Dehydration (from severe diarrhea)
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Blindness (from severe conjunctivitis)
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Death
Cleveland Clinic states that in rare cases, patients post-infection can develop Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal nervous system infection. Those with compromised immune systems years after being infected are at higher risk of developing Measles inclusion body encephalitis (MIBE), a type of brain inflammation.
Measles Treatment Options
There is no cure or specific treatment option for the measles virus. The WHO recommends that “caregiving should focus on relieving symptoms, making the person comfortable and preventing complications.”
If a patient develops conjunctivitis or pneumonia, doctors can use necessary antibiotics to treat these co-infections.
The best way to prevent you or your child from contracting the measles virus and possibly suffering from the complications is to receive the measles vaccine. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following vaccination schedule:
- Dose 1: 12 – 15 months
- Dose 2: 4 – 6 years
According to the AAP, infants ages 6-11 months should receive a vaccine dose before traveling internationally.
If you suspect your child may have been exposed to measles or has contracted the virus, talk to your doctor. If you are unsure of your child’s vaccination status, speak with your healthcare provider.