Keep measles in the rearview 

Protect your children and community with measles vaccine 

OVER TWO DECADES AGO, measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly childhood disease, was declared eliminated in the U.S. This spring, at least 142 measles cases were recorded nationwide—more than double the number of cases observed in all of 2023. 

Measles most commonly affects unvaccinated children, and 20–40% of infected children require hospitalization. Ear infections, pneumonia, long-term neurologic issues and even death can occur. Generally, most will recover, but some will have complications from the infection. 

This school year, ensure your children and grandchildren are protected from this devastating but preventable disease. 

How do I protect myself from measles? 

Measles is almost entirely preventable through vaccination. 

One dose of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is 93% protective. 

The recommended two doses are 97% protective against the disease. 

Because of the inherent contagiousness of measles, 95% or more of a population needs to be vaccinated for the entire population to be protected from an outbreak. 

Currently the U.S. has 93.1% vaccination coverage. 

Kentucky has 91.6% coverage (of greater than one dose of the MMR vaccine). 

Making the measles vaccine part of this year’s back-to-school routine can not only protect your children but also your whole community. Multiple scientific studies support the safety and efficacy of the measles vaccine. The latest tracking of measles cases and more information about the disease can be found at www.cdc.gov/measles. 

What are the symptoms of measles? 

Measles symptoms typically include: 

• Fever (can be very high)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red eyes 

After the above symptoms, the characteristic red rash appears, starting from the head and spreading downward. 

People with measles are thought to be contagious from about four days prior to developing the rash to four days after the onset of the rash (with the onset being day zero). 

What to do if you think you’ve been exposed 

If you’re concerned you or your child have been exposed to measles, contact your health care provider immediately. 

Experts still consider measles to be eliminated in the U.S., but that could change if we don’t continue to take proper preventative measures.