Measles is a serious respiratory disease (in the lungs and breathing tubes) that causes a rash and fever. It is very contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you or your child has been exposed to measles.

Symptoms

The symptoms of measles generally appear 7-14 days after a person is infected, but a rash can occur up to 21 days from exposure to the measles virus. Measles typically begins with:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red or watery eyes

A Few Days Later:

• Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth.
• A red, blotchy rash may begin on the face and spread down the body.
• The fever may become higher when the rash appears.

Among people who are susceptible, 9 out of 10 will develop measles when exposed to the virus. About 3 out of 10 people who get measles may develop one or more complications, including pneumonia, ear infections, or diarrhea. Complications are more common in older adults and young children. Measles can be serious, especially for children younger than five years of age. It can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death. The best protection against measles is vaccination.

Measles Vaccination

Measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. In the United States, widespread use of the measles vaccine has led to a reduction in measles cases compared with the pre-vaccine era.

Most people who are fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine are considered immune to measles and protected from getting the infection if they are exposed. Two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles infection. One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles. While breakthrough infections can happen in a fully vaccinated person, they are unlikely.

SMCHD offers measles vaccines to all St. Mary’s County community members, regardless of ability to pay. Community members may contact the SMCHD Health Clinic at 301-475-4330 to schedule an appointment for the vaccine. 

MMR Vaccination Recommendations

St. Mary’s County is currently experiencing a measles outbreak. Some people may be recommended to receive MMR vaccine earlier than under the routine vaccination schedule.

Pregnant persons and people who are severely immunocompromised should not receive MMR vaccine. If you are unsure whether MMR vaccine is appropriate for you, talk with your healthcare provider.

• Infants 6–11 months: Infants who live in or are traveling to an area experiencing a measles outbreak should receive an early MMR dose (“dose zero”). This dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. They should still receive an MMR dose at 12–15 months and another dose at least 28 days later or at the routinely recommended age of 4–6 years.

• Children 12 months–6 years: Children should receive their first MMR dose at 12–15 months. During the current outbreak, children who have received only one dose may receive their second dose early, as long as at least 28 days have passed since the first dose.

• Children and teens 7–18 years: Children and teens who do not have evidence of immunity should have 2 MMR doses, given at least 28 days apart.

• Adults born in 1957 or later: Adults should have at least one dose of MMR unless they have other evidence of immunity. During the current outbreak, a second MMR dose may be recommended for adults at increased risk of measles exposure, as long as at least 28 days have passed since the first dose. Adults who already have documentation of 2 appropriately administered MMR doses do not need another dose.

• Adults born before 1957: Most adults born before 1957 are presumed to have immunity from prior measles infection and do not routinely need MMR vaccine. During an outbreak, vaccination may be recommended for some people at increased risk of exposure who do not have other evidence of immunity. Talk with your healthcare provider or SMCHD if you are unsure.

• Healthcare personnel: Healthcare personnel should have documented evidence of immunity to measles. Healthcare personnel without evidence of immunity should receive 2 MMR doses at least 28 days apart.

• First responders and others with occupational exposure risk: People whose work may place them at increased risk of measles exposure should review their vaccination or immunity status with their employer, occupational health provider, healthcare provider, or SMCHD. Additional vaccination may be recommended based on their vaccination history and exposure risk.

Already have 2 MMR doses?
If you have documentation of 2 appropriately administered MMR doses, an additional or third dose is not routinely recommended, even during a measles outbreak.

Not sure whether you or your child needs MMR vaccine?
Contact your healthcare provider or the St. Mary’s County Health Department for guidance based on age, vaccination history, and risk of exposure.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for Measles

Individuals exposed to measles who cannot readily show that they have adequate presumptive evidence of immunity against measles are eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

There are two types of PEP for measles:

• MMR vaccine, if administered within 72 hours of initial measles exposure.
• Immunoglobulin (IG), if administered within 6 days of exposure.

If you think you may have been exposed to measles, call SMCHD at 240-735-8288

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