Measles is one of the world’s most contagious viruses, and yes, it can be deadly.
Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, worldwide epidemics occurred every few years, resulting in about
The widespread use of vaccinations has significantly decreased this number. In 2023, an estimated 107,500 deaths occurred worldwide.
However, measles is resurging in multiple countries. This may be due to the uptick in misinformation about measles and related vaccines.
Although measles can be severe across all age groups, the following people are at an
- children under age 5
- adults over age 20
- people who are pregnant
- people who have a compromised immune system
Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea. Severe complications include:
- pneumonia
- encephalitis
- premature birth
- low birth weight
In
The problem with measles is that, not only is it highly contagious, but you may be an unknowing carrier of the virus for several days. In fact, you may not have any symptoms for up to 2 weeks after contracting the virus.
Like other viruses, measles can be spread through physical contact. It’s also airborne, meaning it can be transmitted through contact with nasal or throat secretions when someone coughs or sneezes or by breathing in the same air as someone who has measles.
This is why the measles vaccine is so important in reducing the number of infections, subsequent complications, and deaths.
Immunizations include the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the MMRV vaccine, which offers additional protection against varicella (chickenpox) in children from 12 months to 12 years.
Overall, statistics have shown that the measles vaccine has directly impacted the rate of measles infections and subsequent deaths. In fact, there was a
Outbreaks are more prominent in developing countries where the vaccine isn’t as widely available and in areas where people actively refuse the vaccine.
The measles vaccine is considered safe. One dose is 93% effective at preventing measles, whereas the two recommended doses are 97% effective.
However, as with any other vaccine, there’s a very small risk of causing an allergic reaction in some people. It’s estimated that 1 in every 1 million doses of the measles vaccine may cause a severe allergic reaction.
Ask a healthcare professional about your individual risk, particularly if you have a history of allergic reactions to shots.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t get the measles vaccine?
While widely recommended for children and healthy adults, there are certain people who should notget the measles vaccine. This includes:
- babies less than one year old (excluding infants 6 months or older who live in a measles-prone area)
- people who are or may be pregnant
- people with severe illnesses or infections, such as tuberculosis
- those who have undergone a recent blood product transfusion
- people with an immune system deficiency related to cancer treatments, HIV, and other medical considerations
- people with a severe gelatin allergy (may increase your risk of allergic reaction)
Your healthcare professional may advise against getting the measles vaccine if you have received a different vaccine in the past 4 weeks. You can usually receive the measles vaccine after this 4-week window has passed.
Due to concerns about vaccines and other health issues, myths about measles are spreading around the internet, posing risks for the spread of the actual virus in real life.
Below are some of the most common claims made about the measles virus and the MMR/MMRV vaccine:
Claim 1: Measles isn’t a big concern in developed nations, such as the United States (False)
While measles is more prevalent in developing countries due to a lack of access to vaccines, measles infection rates have increased in the United States over the last three decades.
Check with local health officials for measles advisories in your area, and make sure your vaccine schedules are up to date.
Claim 2: The death rate doesn’t warrant the use of measles vaccines (False)
While it’s possible to survive a measles infection, there are too many deadly complications associated with it.
Not getting the measles vaccine puts you at risk. It also makes you a possible carrier, putting sensitive groups, such as young children, at risk, too.
Claim 3: The vaccine doesn’t offer 100% protection (True)
But the statistics are close. The measles vaccine has a protection rate of 93% with one dose, while two doses have a 97% protection rate.
The key here is that the more prevalent vaccines are in a population, the less likely the virus is to spread.
Claim 4: Natural methods can help prevent the measles instead of relying on vaccines (False)
Everyone should exercise good hygiene, regardless of their vaccination status. However, this isn’t enough to prevent a highly contagious airborne virus like measles.
Furthermore, no vitamins, herbs, or essential oils will help to “kill” this virus. Plus, there’s no way to treat the actual virus, only its complications. The only scientifically proven mode of protection is the MMR vaccine.
Claim 5: The MMR vaccine causes autism (False)
This claim has long since been debunked. Part of the reason why this myth is so prevalent is that signs of autism are often more strongly realized and diagnosed in affected children around 12 months of age, which also happens to be the time children receive their first MMR vaccine.
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus. The most effective way to prevent it is to get vaccinated.
However, not everyone can get the vaccine. This is why it’s also important to make sure that people who canget the MMR vaccine get their initial shot and booster.
Talk with a doctor about your individual concerns regarding the measles virus and vaccine.