Once declared eliminated in the U.S., measles is making a comeback. If current trends continue health experts warn it could become endemic within just two decades. That means measles wouldn’t just be a rare outbreak, it could become a regular, recurring threat across the country.
Recently the CDC reported 884 confirmed cases of measles as of April 24, marking the second-largest outbreak in the past 25 years. For comparison, there were just 285 cases in all of 2024. Many current infections are centered in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, with Texas alone accounting for 646 cases. Alarmingly, 64 people have been hospitalized, and two deaths have been reported so far.
What’s Driving the Surge in Measles?
Measles is incredibly contagious, and spreads fast. According to the CDC, many of the ongoing outbreaks are happening in tight-knit communities with significant gaps in vaccination.
A recent study from Stanford University reveals that if vaccination rates fall by just 10%, the U.S. could see millions of measles cases in the coming decades. Infectious disease expert Dr. Nathan Lo warns measles could once again become a common household illness, bringing with it routine hospitalizations and even deaths.
Symptoms of Measles
Here are the basics. It’s a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications. Those who haven’t received two doses of the MMR vaccine is at risk. The symptoms usually show up 7 to 14 days after exposure and include:
- High fever (sometimes spiking over 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A telltale rash
Temperature monitoring
Since fever is one of the main symptoms of measles regular temperature checks are important. When taking temperatures use a reliable thermometer like Exergen’s Temporal Artery thermometer that gives you a fast and extraordinary, non-invasive, accurate reading. By facilitating regular temperature checks, individuals can quickly identify potential fevers, a key indicator that medical consultation may be necessary.
Measles is not a mild childhood illness. It’s serious and preventable. Vaccination is the best defense. As individuals, staying informed, vigilant, and proactive in health monitoring is a vital cog in the wheel of disease prevention and control.
Sources,
EXERGEN P/N 850426, Rev 1