Measles Is Making a Comeback. Are You at Risk?

Measles is spreading again. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the number of measles patients has reached the highest level in 25 years. The number of measles patients, which had slowed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, increased to about 320,000 in 2023 and further increased to about 330,000 in 2024. As of February 11 this year, about 3,000 confirmed cases and about 7,000 suspected cases were reported in 54 countries. Measles is an acute infectious disease caused by the measles virus through droplet (saliva) infection. Measles occurs frequently in children aged 1 to 6 and is prevalent in the spring. The incubation period is about 10 days, starting with cold-like symptoms, small white spots appear on the oral mucosa, and later a red rash like millet grains appears all over the body. Since the immunity rate is high, the probability of being infected again is low once infected or vaccinated.

Why Is Measles Spreading Again?
Am I Safe If I’m Vaccinated?
Early Measles Symptoms vs. Common Cold
Is Measles Dangerous for Adults?
Best Ways to Prevent Measles

Why Is Measles Spreading Again?

There are several reasons why measles is spreading again recently. The main reason is closely related to the decrease in vaccination rates. The decrease in the vaccination rate of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella vaccine) is causing the resurgence of measles. For example, as of 2023, the MMR first vaccination rate is 87%, which is below the recommended standard for preventing measles outbreaks. Experts warn that for the vaccine to be effective, more than 95% of the population must be vaccinated (herd immunity), and if it falls below that, the epidemic could spread significantly at a certain point.

Measles is a highly contagious disease, and there are increasing cases of domestic transmission when people who visited overseas epidemic areas become infected and return home. In particular, many cases of infection have been reported in epidemic areas such as Southeast Asia and Europe. Measles is a highly contagious disease, and it is easily transmitted through contact with an infected person or through the air. Susceptible people can become infected with the measles virus with a probability of more than 90%. Because of these characteristics, forming herd immunity through vaccination is very important.

Am I Safe If I’m Vaccinated?

If you have been vaccinated against measles, you are generally safe. The MMR vaccine is about 97% effective when given twice. This means that people who have been vaccinated twice are very unlikely to get measles. Most people have lifelong immunity after vaccination, but some people may have immunity that wanes over time. Studies have shown that antibody levels tend to decline 10 to 15 years after vaccination, which may leave some people susceptible to getting infected again. However, if you have been vaccinated twice, even if you do get infected, your symptoms will often be mild. Immunity gained from natural infection tends to last a lifetime, but immunity gained from the vaccine is also moderately effective, and additional exposures (such as being exposed to the virus again) can boost immunity.

Early Measles Symptoms vs. Common Cold

The initial symptoms of measles are similar to those of a cold, but there are some important differences. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, and its initial symptoms include a body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, sometimes reaching 40 degrees Celsius.

A dry cough is accompanied by a stuffy or runny nose, similar to a cold. The eyes are red and watery. Small grayish-white spots appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth. These spots are typical of measles, and appear 1-2 days before the rash appears. The initial symptoms of a cold usually begin with a low-grade fever, often without a high fever. A cough is present, but is less severe than measles. A cold also has a runny nose, but the symptoms are milder than measles. A sore throat is common in a cold.

The main difference between a cold and measles is the rash. Measles develops a red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the trunk and limbs within 3-5 days of the initial symptoms. In contrast, a cold does not have a rash. Measles is characterized by grayish-white spots in the mouth, which is a symptom that does not appear in the common cold. Measles is much more contagious than the common cold, and more than 90% of people without immunity can be infected. Although measles can be confused with the common cold in the early stages, the main differences between measles and the common cold are high fever, grayish-white spots, and a rash that starts a few days later all over the body. Therefore, if you have characteristic symptoms such as a rash or grayish-white spots, it is important to visit a medical institution immediately for diagnosis.

Is Measles Dangerous for Adults?

Measles is a very dangerous disease not only for children but also for adults. If adults get measles, serious complications such as otitis media, pneumonia, and encephalitis can occur. Pneumonia caused by measles is one of the main causes of death. Especially for adults with weakened immune systems, complications can require hospitalization or even lead to death. If pregnant women get measles, they are at increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight babies. It can also have serious effects on the fetus. Measles is a highly contagious disease, and if adults are infected, they are at high risk of spreading it to their family or those around them.

Best Ways to Prevent Measles

Measles can be effectively prevented through vaccination and personal hygiene management. In addition, by strengthening immunity, we can protect our bodies from various diseases as well as measles.

Measles prevention methods:

Vaccination: The most effective way to prevent measles is to get the MMR vaccine. It is recommended that this vaccine be administered twice, with the first dose being administered between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years of age.

Hygiene management: It is important to thoroughly maintain personal hygiene, such as washing your hands. In particular, be sure to wash your hands after going out, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wear a mask as a part of your daily routine. It is recommended to avoid crowded places during a measles outbreak.

Measles prevention methods:

Balanced diet: Eat a balanced diet of fresh vegetables and fruits, protein, whole grains, etc. to provide sufficient nutrients necessary for strengthening immunity.

Regular exercise: Appropriate exercise helps strengthen the immune system. Exercising consistently for more than 30 minutes a day, 3-4 times a week, helps strengthen your immune system.

Adequate sleep: It is important to get enough sleep to strengthen your immune system. Adults are recommended to sleep 7-8 hours a day.

Stress management: Stress can lower your immune system, so it is necessary to manage stress through meditation, yoga, hobbies, etc.

Health supplements: It is also a good idea to take health supplements that help strengthen your immune system, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc.

Sources:

1. Measles is making a comeback: Can we stop it?

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/measles-is-making-a-comeback-can-we-stop-it-202503063091

2. Why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself

https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/why-vaccination-is-important-and-the-safest-way-to-protect-yourself/

3. Measles Symptoms vs. Common Cold: How to Tell Difference

https://urgentcareomaha.com/measles-symptoms-vs-common-cold-how-to-tell-difference/

4. How dangerous is measles?

https://www.unicef.org/eca/stories/how-dangerous-measles

5. How to Protect Your Children During a Measles Outbreak

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/how-to-protect-your-children-during-a-measles-outbreak.aspx