Things Every Parent Should Know About The Measles Outbreak

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by snow days, sick days, and school closures, you’re certainly not alone. The start of this year has been a real rollercoaster for parents, hasn’t it? We’re all too familiar with those frantic reports of illnesses circulating in schools and playgroups, and for many of us, the thermometer has become that trusted, albeit nervy, item in our parenting toolkit—I’ve affectionately named mine “Murphy.” On top of everything else, parents in Texas are now facing an alarming measles outbreak, the worst the state has seen in three decades.

With so much swirling around, it’s only natural to feel a bit panicked or confused. When I first heard of the situation, it left me grappling with a barrage of questions. If you’re in the same boat, take solace in knowing that you’re not alone. I reached out to two board-certified pediatricians, Dr. Mona Amin (@pedsdoctalk) and Dr. Krupa Playforth (@thepediatricianmom), both of whom are committed to educating and supporting parents through these challenging times. Their insights on the current outbreak, an overview of measles, prevention strategies, and effective communication can be a lifeline for parents.

Dr. Mona Amin is a practicing pediatrician and a mother herself, who’s dedicated to delivering well-researched and balanced parenting advice through her PedsDocTalk Podcast. Her relatable approach gives parents the tools they need to navigate tricky situations and find joy amidst the chaos of parenthood. Meanwhile, Dr. Krupa Playforth, also a board-certified pediatrician and a mother of three, strives to create educational and safe spaces for families through her platform, The Pediatrician Mom. Together, they wield an immense wealth of knowledge and experience to help us make sense of the current landscape.

Now, let’s get into some of the nitty-gritty details you should know about this measles outbreak. As of February 21, 2025, there have been 90 confirmed measles cases in Texas, predominantly in the South Plains Region. Other states, including New Mexico, New Jersey, Georgia, New York, Rhode Island, Alaska, and California, have also reported cases this year. A striking fact shared by Dr. Mona is that every confirmed case in Texas has been linked to individuals who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. So, while it’s understandable to feel concerned if you’re outside of Texas, Dr. Mona emphasizes there’s no reason to panic; rather, let this serve as a gentle reminder to keep vaccinations on schedule. For updated statistics on measles in your state, you can always refer to your state health department or the CDC’s website for the most recent information.

But what is measles, anyway? Officially known as rubeola, this viral infection is notorious for its highly contagious nature, which can result in serious health complications, including hospitalization or even death. It’s spread through the air via respiratory droplets and can linger in the air for quite some time—even up to two hours—making it far more infectious than the flu. To put this into perspective, Dr. Mona explained that “if 10 unvaccinated kids are in a room with someone who has measles, nine of them will likely get sick.” It’s alarming, but knowing how to spot the signs is crucial.

Dr. Playforth outlines the symptoms into four stages, which can appear anywhere from seven to 14 days after exposure.

• Stage 1: Initially, there might be no symptoms, or they could be mild—think of it as an ominous prelude.
• Stage 2: As the infection progresses, kids may develop a fever, fatigue, cough, and some respiratory issues. Unique symptoms like Koplik spots—those tiny white or gray spots inside the mouth—might also appear during this stage.
• Stage 3 (the rash): This is where it gets visually striking. The rash typically appears on the face and will emit a red, flat tone, becoming more prominent as it spreads down the body. Sadly, fevers can spike to 104°F or higher as this stage unfolds.
• Stage 4 (complications): If not managed properly, measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis, which can have long-lasting effects. It’s a stark reminder of why prevention is key.

So who’s at risk? While measles was once declared “eliminated” in the United States in 2000, low vaccination rates have created a pathway for outbreaks. Dr. Mona explains that individuals who are unvaccinated, young children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk. The silver lining? If you’re fully vaccinated or were born before 1957, you’re considered low-risk.

How can we protect our families from measles? The most effective line of defense is the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella). The first dose offers about 93% efficacy, while the second dose increases it to a strong 97%. This shot doesn’t just safeguard our own children; it promotes communitywide immunity, which is especially essential for those who can’t be vaccinated due to various health concerns. This concept of herd immunity serves as a safety net, protecting the most vulnerable among us.

Ultimately, navigating parenting in the shadow of a measles outbreak can feel daunting. But remember, there are experts, resources, and support available to guide you when the world seems a little too chaotic. You’re not in this alone, and with knowledge, we can all work to keep our little ones safe and healthy.The MMR vaccine has been a cornerstone of childhood immunization since its introduction in 1963. Designed to guard against measles, mumps, and rubella, it is typically administered in two doses. The first is given between 12 and 15 months of age, with a follow-up dose between 4 and 6 years old. According to Dr. Mona, who specializes in pediatric health, adhering to this schedule is vital: “Receiving the MMR vaccine on time provides the best and long-lasting protection against measles.”

With recent reports of measles outbreaks in various communities, it’s crucial to know how to protect your family. If you find yourself living near an outbreak or if your little one hasn’t yet received their vaccine, Dr. Mona emphasizes the need to limit exposure. This means avoiding crowded places, maintaining good hygiene practices like frequent handwashing, and being alert to early symptoms such as fever, cough, and rash. Should your child be too young to get vaccinated yet and has been exposed, it’s best to contact your pediatrician promptly.

When faced with an actual measles infection, it’s worth noting that this illness cannot be treated easily. Unlike more common viruses, there aren’t specific antivirals available. Instead, treatment focuses primarily on managing symptoms and preventing complications. In severe cases, children may require hospitalization for complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis, particularly for those with weaker immune systems.

If your intuition tells you that your child might have measles, the first step is to call your pediatrician. Dr. Playforth and Dr. Mona strongly recommend reaching out to your doctor before going to their office to prevent exposure to others. If you can’t reach your doctor or local health department, don’t hesitate to call the emergency room. They can help create a plan to keep your family and others safe. In the meantime, keep your child comfortable and well-hydrated at home—this is vital in preventing further spread of the virus.

If you’re wondering about getting the MMR vaccine earlier than the standard recommended age, Dr. Mona suggests consulting your physician. Circumstances can vary based on your child’s health history and the current situation regarding measles in your area.

In some instances, like during an outbreak, getting the MMR vaccine as early as 6 months can be advisable, especially travel situations involving high-risk areas. While this early dose can offer some protection, it won’t count toward the routine two-dose series. Your child will still need their regular shots at 12-15 months and 4-6 years to establish lasting immunity.

As a parent, you might also be curious why the MMR isn’t administered before 12 months. Dr. Mona explains that infants are born with some of their mother’s antibodies, which can interfere with the vaccine’s effectiveness. By about 12 months, those maternal antibodies fade, allowing the MMR vaccine to create a more robust immune response.

If your baby does receive an early dose, remember it won’t replace the scheduled doses. It’s an additional measure, but the routine follow-ups are still necessary. Additionally, it’s important to clarify that the second dose of the MMR vaccine is not simply a booster; it serves as a safety net to catch any children who didn’t respond adequately to the first dose.

After vaccination, mild side effects may occur. You might notice soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, swollen lymph nodes, or a mild fever shortly after. Occasionally, a mild rash can develop about seven to ten days post-vaccination but should resolve without intervention.

Building immunity doesn’t happen instantly. After receiving the MMR vaccine, expect it to take about two to three weeks for your child’s immune system to develop adequate protection. During this time, the body is busy producing antibodies to safeguard against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Many parents question what to do if they’re uncertain whether their child has had the MMR vaccine. The reassurance here is clear: if you can’t find vaccination records, it’s generally safe to administer the MMR vaccine again. Dr. Mona states, “There’s no harm in getting an extra dose.” Discuss your options with your pediatrician, who can offer help. In some cases, they might conduct blood tests to check for immunity.

Furthermore, there’s some evolving research indicating that vitamin A may reduce severe outcomes in hospitalized measles patients. However, Dr. Playforth cautions against self-medicating, stressing that taking excess vitamin A carries its own risks and shouldn’t be attempted without medical supervision.

In closing, it’s natural to feel concerned about measles, especially with the current information circulating. If you have questions or reservations, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s doctor. They are a valuable resource in navigating these challenges. As a parent myself, I understand how overwhelming it can feel; it’s all about keeping our kids healthy and informed. After all, we want what’s best for them, and your pediatrician is there to help guide you every step of the way.