Measles is back
Why the disease is having a resurgence.
Article Author: Juliette Allen
Article Date:
It's a topic dominating social media, daily news stories and parenting groups. Cases of measles are popping up throughout the country, with the largest outbreak in West Texas. As of March 6, 2025, one case has been reported in Florida.
With all the buzz surrounding measles, Shalika Katugaha, MD, system director of Infectious Diseases for Baptist Health, answered some of the most common questions parents have.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that occurs worldwide. It was considered eradicated from the United States in 2000 but has had a resurgence over the last several years. Symptoms include fever, malaise (feeling bad), runny nose, cough and conjunctivitis (pink eye). A rash can develop after several days, starting on the face and chest and spreading outward.
“Measles can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis [swelling of the brain],” Dr. Katugaha said. “The virus spreads through the air. It’s so contagious that if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people nearby will become infected.”
If measles was declared eradicated in 2000, how is the disease back?
There have been a significant number of outbreaks worldwide in areas that American travelers frequent. These travelers get exposed to the disease and bring it back to the United States. The measles virus can "take hold" in areas of decreased immunization practices, leading to significant outbreaks in our country. Babies who are too young to get the MMR vaccine and those who aren’t able to get it for medical reasons are also susceptible.
“Measles vaccination rates in the United States have dropped in recent years, in part because of how effectively we have vaccinated against the disease in the past,” explained Dr. Katugaha. “Because of the low immunization rates, there is a real concern that measles cases will spread from South Florida to North Florida.”
How do I keep my kids safe?
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine eradicated measles in the United States. It has repeatedly been shown to be highly effective and extremely safe in protecting children. Children are recommended to get the first dose of the vaccine after their first birthday and the second dose between ages 4 and 6.
“As a mother, I know every parent wants to make the best and right decision for their child,” said Dr. Katugaha. “The MMR vaccine protects against measles and has been extensively studied and proven safe.”
It’s important for parents to protect babies under 1 from potential exposure, which means ensuring all caregivers and family members have been vaccinated and avoiding travel to areas where cases are occurring.
“If your child is not eligible for the measles vaccine because they’re under 6 months or for other medical reasons determined by your child’s pediatrician, and your child is exposed to someone who may have measles, immediately contact your child’s doctor,” said Dr. Katugaha.
How do I know if I'm protected against measles?
People immunized as a child with a live vaccine, like the MMR shot, are considered protected for life. Due to widespread exposure to measles before there was a vaccine, people born before 1957 are also considered protected due to natural immunity. If adults are unsure about their immunization status, there's a blood test to evaluate whether they're immune to all three components of the MMR injection.
If adults want to check their immunization status, they should discuss it with their primary care physician.
What are the recommendations for international travelers?
Traveling outside the country can potentially expose you to multiple different infections. Though the MMR vaccine is generally recommended after a baby's first birthday, children traveling to potential areas of measles exposure may receive it as young as 6 months. While this dose wouldn’t count toward the primary series – meaning the child would still need a dose after their first birthday and a second after they turn 4 – it would provide needed protection before traveling.
Do you have questions about the measles disease?
Your child's pediatrician – and your own primary care physician – can help answer additional questions and address concerns you may have about measles and the MMR vaccine. To find the right provider for your family, call 904.202.4YOU (4968) or visit baptistjax.com/newdoctor.
