Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but clusters of cases have begun popping up across the country over recent months – and Michigan recently reported its first case since 2019.
With active global measles outbreaks and falling vaccination rates in the U.S., many may be wondering how they can stay protected.
Measles is highly contagious, says Laraine Washer, M.D., professor of internal medicine and medical director of infection prevention at University of Michigan Health. Nine out of 10 people who do not have measles immunity due to vaccination or prior infection will develop measles if they are exposed. Outbreaks, she notes, happen when a measles case occurs within a setting where there are many unvaccinated people.
The disease can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, and for some, even be life threatening.
The good news is that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, Washer says.
But some questions may remain unclear: How long does a measles immunization protect you? Is a booster shot recommended after a certain number of years? When should kids get vaccinated and what if a child is immunocompromised?
Washer and Terri Stillwell, M.D., M.P.H., a pediatric infectious disease expert and associate hospital epidemiologist at U-M Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, answer the top questions about measles immunization and prevention.
