Why Measles is Making a Comeback and How You Can Help Stop It

Measles is more than just a rash and a fever — it’s one of the most contagious viruses in the world. And in 2025, it’s spreading at an alarming rate.

Although measles was declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, cases in 2025 have already surpassed the entirety of 2024. The main reason? Declining vaccination rates.

Here’s what you should know about measles, why it’s serious, and how you can protect your family.

Understanding Measles

Measles is an incredibly contagious airborne virus that infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. It travels through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can linger for up to two hours after that person has left.

About 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to measles will become infected. It affects both children and adults, but children under 5 are especially vulnerable.

Measles was a common illness among children and can be deadly, but due to vaccination, measles hasn’t been a common disease in the U.S. for over two decades.

Symptoms of Measles

After infection, measles symptoms present around 7-14 days. The most common measles symptoms are: 

• Fever (as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• Rash

Soon after the initial symptoms, tiny white spots appear inside the mouth, known as Koplik spots. The measles rash appears three to five days after the first symptoms, spreading from the face down to the neck and rest of the body.

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you or your child has been exposed to measles.  

Complications of Measles

Measles is often misunderstood as a childhood illness, but in reality, it can lead to severe, life-threatening complications in all individuals.  

Some complications include:

• Ear infection
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Pregnancy complications, leading to loss of pregnancy or fetal problems
• Dehydration
• Encephalitis, or swelling of the brain

How is Measles Treated?

There is no cure for measles. Once someone is infected, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing serious complications. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you have been infected with measles. You may be able to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to reduce severity or prevent infection entirely. 

There are some at-home remedies that can help relieve measles symptoms:  

• Rest and hydrate. Get plenty of rest and drink fluids to prevent dehydration.  
• Manage fever and discomfort. Talk to your provider about which medications you can take. Aspirin is not recommended.  
• Watch for complications. Monitor your symptoms for signs of bacterial infection, pneumonia, or ear infection, which may require treatment. It’s important to note that antibiotics do not treat measles.  
• Follow up as needed. Stay in contact with you or your child’s healthcare team if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise. 

Getting a measles vaccine is the most effective and safest way to prevent measles.

The Importance of the Measles Vaccine  

The measles was eradicated in the United States in 2000 due to widespread immunization, which prevented 60 million deaths worldwide between 2000 and 2023. With recent low vaccination rates due to misinformation, measles has become a new worry for parents with young children.  

The measles vaccine is one of the most effective tools to protect you and your children from serious illness. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at providing lifelong protection from the measles. Even in rare cases where a vaccinated person does contract measles, the illness is usually mild and less likely to spread.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children and adults receive two doses of the vaccine.

• First MMR dose: 12 to 15 months of age
• Second MMR dose: 4 to 6 years of age

If you are traveling internationally or there’s a local outbreak, your child may be able to get the MMR vaccine between 6 and 11 months of age, if recommended by their healthcare provider. Your child will still need two doses at the recommended routine ages to ensure long-term immunity. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination history or immunity should talk to their provider about whether a dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended.

Getting vaccinated not only protects you, but it also protects vulnerable people like your children, babies, pregnant people, and those with compromised immune systems. As parents, you want to do everything to keep your children safe. Vaccinating against measles is a simple, proven way that could save your child’s life. The measles shot is free and 97% effective at preventing infection. With outbreaks on the rise, prevention isn’t just optional, it’s essential.