NEWS

Measles: What should I know?

February 27, 2025

Need some help sifting through all of the measles info out there? 🧐 Here are some essential facts to keep you and your family safe!
 
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘀?
Measles is a highly contagious virus that is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and by direct contact with infected fluids. The virus can live in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours.
 
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀?
Measles typically incubates for 10-12 days after exposure. Patients then develop a runny nose, fever, and red eyes followed by a rash 2-4 days later. The rash typically lasts 5-6 days. Patients are contagious 4 days before and 4 days after the rash appears.
 
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀?
Measles can cause pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death in 1-2 patients out of every 1000 infected.
 
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘀?
Measles vaccination happens at 12 months and 4 years old. High community immunization rates (like those in El Paso) can help protect infants under 12 months. Infants >6mo traveling to outbreak areas may qualify for early vaccination.
 
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀?
You can always verify your child’s vaccination status on your portal account. If you have any additional questions concerning your child’s vaccination status, please reach out to us via phone or portal so we can answer your questions!