Measles Outbreak in North Texas
North Texas reported its first confirmed measles case in Rockwall County on Wednesday. This case is not believed to be connected to the recent measles outbreak in West Texas that claimed the life of an unvaccinated school-aged child in Lubbock, a health official said in a recent statement.
Understanding Measles and the MMR Vaccine
The only way to prevent measles infection is with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, said Dr. Zachary Most, an assistant professor of pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center, who specializes in pediatric infectious disease.
In the U.S., the MMR vaccine is given to children in two doses. The first dose, given between 12 months to 15 months of age, is 93% effective against preventing measles infection. A second dose between ages 4 and 6 boosts that effectiveness to 97%.
Why the MMR Vaccine is Not Given to Children Under 1 Year Old
The first dose is not given to children younger than 1 year old because they typically have some immunity from their mother if she was vaccinated. This partial immunity comes in the form of antibodies passed during pregnancy through the placenta, Most said.
Another reason why the vaccine isn’t administered to those children has to do with the nature of the shot. The MMR vaccine contains live but weakened versions of the measles, mumps and rubella viruses. Partial immunity from the mother tends to overpower any antibodies a baby’s body makes in response to the vaccine, Most added.
“Live virus vaccines don’t work well in children under a year old,” Most said. “And that’s often because those same maternal antibodies will block the vaccine from working.”
Exceptions to the Rule
There are rare situations where an infant may qualify for the shot sooner.
“It’s been shown to be safe to give the MMR vaccine to children as young as 6 months,” Most said. “Children who are between 6 and 11 months old can get the MMR vaccine … if they are going to travel to an area that has endemic measles or if you’re in the middle of an outbreak.”
The Texas Department of State Health Services is recommending early dosing for babies in Gaines County, which lies southwest of Lubbock. The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether similar recommendations have been made for Rockwall County or adjacent counties in North Texas.
Signs and Symptoms of Measles
Some of the signs of measles include a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash. The rash is a telltale sign of the disease; it typically starts at the scalp and runs down the face and the rest of the body, Most said. Symptoms usually begin within a week or two after direct exposure to an infected person or through infectious droplets hanging in the air or lingering on surfaces.
“With measles, most children will go through a phase of illness [of] two to four days of fever, cough, congestion and then go to a rash,” Most said. “During that time, children typically appear very uncomfortable and are at risk for certain complications. They can get dehydrated, ear infections and in some severe cases, they can get pneumonia.”
This undated image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Feb. 4, 2015 shows an electron microscope image of a measles virus particle, center. (Cynthia Goldsmith / AP)
Protecting Children from Measles
Measles used to be a common childhood disease in the U.S. but was declared eliminated in 2000 thanks to widespread vaccination efforts. In recent years, the nation has seen an uptick in measles cases as childhood vaccination rates have declined.
Most reiterated that the best way to protect children from measles is through the vaccine, if they are old enough to get it, and to make sure those around them, especially the adults, are also vaccinated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious disease that can be prevented with the MMR vaccine. It is essential for parents and caregivers to understand the signs and symptoms of measles and to take steps to protect their children, especially those who are too young to receive the vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is measles and how is it spread?
A: Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching a surface that has the virus on it.
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of measles?
A: The signs and symptoms of measles include a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash. The rash typically starts at the scalp and runs down the face and the rest of the body.
Q: How can I protect my child from measles?
A: The best way to protect your child from measles is through the MMR vaccine. It is essential to ensure that your child receives the recommended two doses of the vaccine, and that those around them, especially adults, are also vaccinated.
Q: Can children under 1 year old receive the MMR vaccine?
A: Typically, children under 1 year old do not receive the MMR vaccine because they have some immunity from their mother. However, there are rare situations where an infant may qualify for the shot sooner, such as if they are traveling to an area with endemic measles or are in the middle of an outbreak.
