For more information contact:
Lisa Quillman, BSN, RN
Director of Nursing and Family Services
618-684-3143

Measles Outbreak in the United States

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported the first death from measles in an ongoing
outbreak in Texas. The school-aged child who was not vaccinated was hospitalized in Lubbock last week
and tested positive for measles.
How common is measles?
Prior to widespread immunization, measles was common in childhood. In fact, almost everyone born before 1957
has already had measles. Currently, measles usually occurs in preschool-age children who have not had their
measles vaccine or in school-age children and young adults who have had only one shot of measles vaccine.
While cases of measles are rare in vaccinated individuals, reports of measles cases have recently been
increasing internationally and in the United States. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is
extremely effective at preventing measles and remains by far the best protection against measles for
people of all ages. However, measles is highly contagious and can be dangerous to those who are
unvaccinated, especially babies and young children.
About Measles
Measles is a serious respiratory infection that causes a rash and high fever. The virus is capable of
leading to pneumonia and other complications. Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected
person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes.
The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for many hours, even after the infected person has left. The
infected person can spread the disease up to four days before a measles rash appears and up to four
days after the rash appears. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface,
then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected.

You can check if you’re protected against measles by checking your vaccination records, getting a blood
test, or looking at your birth year. A first dose of MMR is recommended at 12 months of age and a
second at 4 to 6 years of age. Children can receive the second dose of MMR vaccine earlier than 4 to 6
years (as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose.) A second dose of MMRV (includes varicella)
vaccine can be given 3 months after the first dose up to 12 years of age. It is never too late to get your
MMR vaccine if you haven't already.
If your child is 1 year old or older and has never received the MMR vaccine, contact your child's
pediatric provider or contact Jackson County Health Department to schedule a vaccination
appointment.
Am I Protected Against Measles?
CDC considers you protected from measles if you have written documentation (records) showing at
least one of the following:
• You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, and you are:
o A school-aged child (grades K-12)
o An adult who will be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission (including
students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and
international travelers)

• You received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and you are:
o A preschool-aged child
o An adult who will not be in a high-risk setting for measles transmission
• A blood test confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life.
• A blood test confirmed that you are immune to measles.
• You were born before 1957.
Vaccination appointments are available Mon-Fri from 8:30am-3:30pm, with additional hours until
5:30pm on Tuesdays. Appointments are required and can be made at www.jchdonline.org or by
calling 618-684-3143 ext. 150. Most health insurance plans are accepted, as well as Medicare and
Medicaid; please bring insurance cards and vaccination cards to the appointment.

For more information: Go to https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/