Measles virus returns to Minnesota and 16 other states

Measles used to be a common childhood illness years ago. At the beginning of this century, measles had been declared eliminated from the country. But now, measles, one of the easiest and most contagious diseases to spread, is returning at a record pace as 17 states, including Minnesota have reported measles cases in 2024.  Dr. Sarah Scherger, a Pediatrician at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Austin, and Chair of Pediatrics for Mayo Clinic Health System talked about the symptoms of the virus…

Dr. Scherger went on to talk about the procedure to follow to deal with the virus if you are infected…

Dr. Scherger stated that the most effective way to prevent measles is by vaccination…

Dr. Scherger went on to state that the measles virus is aerosolized and is highly contagious, and she added that it can live on surfaces for up to two hours after first contact. Measles is most dangerous for children up to the age of 5 and immunocompromised adults over 65, and CDC data also shows that 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory or neurologic complications.

 The measles vaccine is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine. The CDC recommends routine childhood immunization for MMR vaccine starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age, or at least 28 days following the first dose.

 The MMRV vaccine is also available to children 12 months through 12 years of age. People who are born during or after 1957 who do not have evidence of immunity against measles should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine.  The CDC has indicated that tne dose of MMR vaccine is approximately 93% effective at preventing measles; two doses are approximately 97% effective. Almost everyone who does not respond to the measles component of the first dose of MMR vaccine at age 12 months or older will respond to the second dose.