Answering Questions about the Measles Outbreak (March 2025)
We know that there is a lot of concern about the evolving measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. The docs at Children’s Medical Center are following the epidemiology of this closely in order to support the most up-to-date recommendations from local experts and the CDC.
We also want to put this in perspective to hopefully alleviate many of your fears as parents. We hope the following Q+A will answer most of your questions.
Measles Cases and Outbreaks | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC
Why should I worry about measles? What are the symptoms?
Measles is an airborne, very contagious virus that can be especially serious in younger children and pregnant women. Complications can lead to hospitalization in 20% of unvaccinated people. Symptoms usually begin 7-14 days after exposure/infection. First symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. Later symptoms include Koplik spots (tiny white spots in the mouth) and a body rash that starts on the face/head and moves downward.
Why is measles in the news right now?
According to the CDC, as of March 6th 2025, there have been 222 cases of measles in the United States. Measles was nearly eradicated in the US in 2000, but since that time we have had intermittent spikes in measles activity. For perspective, there were 667 total cases in 2014 and 1274 cases in 2019. Time will tell how high the spike will be in 2025.
How is measles spread? How is it prevented?
Measles is spread in the air and can remain in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves that space. The best way to prevent measles is to stay up-to-date with MMR vaccination. Right now, the greatest risk for measles occurs with international travel or for those living in an area with an active outbreak.
How effective is the MMR vaccine?
One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective; two doses is 97% effective. So if your child has received the normal schedule of vaccines (typically given at the 12 month and 4 year well child visits), they do not need a booster. Breakthrough infections can happen in areas with active outbreaks, so if the Denver Metro area should ever be designated as a geography with an outbreak, we will make sure to follow any updated local guidelines.
If my child is too young for the MMR vaccine (less than 12 months), what can I do?
At this time, we can be grateful that we are not in an area of outbreak. Common sense strategies like good handwashing and limiting your baby’s exposure to sick people (when possible) are always smart ideas. If you have international travel plans (or plans to travel to an area with an active outbreak) and your baby is between 6-12 months of age, we do offer an early MMR vaccine. However, in order to have long-term protection, your baby would still need to have the scheduled MMR vaccination at the 12 month and 4 year well visits.
Where can I find more information?