Dr. Bob: I am concerned about the spread of measles in Florida and some other states. Could it spread to South Carolina and do I need to be worried? My children have received both of their measles shots but some of their classmates have not. Could they still get it?
Answer: Your concerns are well-founded. But before I address your questions, let me discuss the measles virus.
- Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known. Nine out of ten exposed people will catch it.
- Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease.
- The incubation period from exposure to early symptoms is 8 to 12 days. Your exposure can occur many days prior to breaking out and spreading the disease to others.
- The only natural host for the measles virus is humans.
- Measles might seem like a benign childhood illness (fever, cough, runny eyes, characteristic rash) but the complications can be deadly. I remember being quite ill when I had measles as a child.
- Complications include ear infection, pneumonia, croup, diarrhea and encephalitis. If that last term sounds scary, it is! Acute encephalitis can lead to permanent brain damage (and even death) in a small but real percentage of children.
- Certain groups of children are at a real risk for measles – babies and infants before their first shot at 12-15 months; children with compromised immune systems from infection or disease; children with cancer; children prone to seizures; children with profound limitations in the mobility.
- The second measles shot occurs at school age. That booster is necessary to provide greater protection and assure “herd immunity.” Herd immunity refers to protection of enough people in the population that an epidemic is unlikely from a one-time exposure.
- Herd immunity requires that a substantial percentage of the population is fully protected, and for measles, officials typically quote greater that 95% immunization rate.
- Introduction of the measles vaccine in the 1960s led to a 99% reduction in measles!
Since the virus spreads to rapidly and effectively, it could spread very rapidly in certain areas. So, I think you should be worried and take proper precautions.
- Yes, it could easily spread to South Carolina. It has spread to now 16 states as of the end of February 2024. With such a mobile population (driving, flying, vacationing), someone might easily bring it to SC. Florida is a vacation destination!
- Make sure that your children have received their measles vaccines since it is a vaccine-preventable disease. It is unlikely that they will get it if they have received their vaccines. But if there is a known case, they should take precautions to avoid exposure.
- I would extend that to make sure that they have received all of their vaccines. Vaccines that prevent illness and even cancer have been one of the true medical miracles in my lifetime in medicine.
- Please help to encourage your children’s classmates that are unvaccinated to consider vaccination. Too many people of late have taken an ill-advised exemption to vaccines. They put themselves at risk and selfishly put other vulnerable children at risk.
- I have always treated the children under my care as I would want my own children treated. For that reason, my children and grandchildren have received and will receive their recommended vaccinations.
The bottom line – your children are reasonably protected if they have had their shots but we can do better as a society if everyone understands their role to protect everyone by getting recommended vaccinations.
Dr. Saul is Professor of Pediatrics (Emeritus) at Prisma Health and his website is www.mychildrenschildren.com. Contact Dr. Bob at askdrbobsaul@gmail.com with more questions.