"If you’re over snow days, back-to-back sick days, and school closures, I don’t blame you. One thing that seems to remain constant in our Substack updates is the mention of sick days with kids. With the flu and other viral illnesses going around, your thermometer may feel like your adult comfort item—I’ve named mine “Murphy.” Needless to say, it’s been a little rough since the start of the New Year for parents. I know my pediatrician has reached “Favorites” status on my phone. Another illness that pediatricians are helping parents navigate through this year? The measles outbreak in Texas. It’s reported to be the worst measles outbreak the state has seen in over 30 years.
If you’re throwing up your arms, I get it. When I heard the news, I had so many questions. If you’re finding yourself in the same boat, luckily, I reached out to board-certified pediatricians Dr. Mona Amin (@pedsdoctalk) and Dr. Krupa Playforth (@thepediatricianmom), who both recently posted on Instagram on the matter to help walk parents through the current outbreak, what measles is, how to prevent it, and more.
Dr. Mona Amin, Board-Certified Pediatrician
Dr. Amin is a practicing pediatrician, toddler mom, and host of The PedsDocTalk Podcast. Her mission is to share balanced, well-researched parenting advice to lessen those big worries and help moms find more joy in motherhood.
Dr. Krupa Playforth, Board-Certified Pediatrician
Dr. Krupa Playforth is a board-certified pediatrician and mother of three whose mission is to create a safe space with practical, educational content for parents at The Pediatrician Mom.
Editor’s Note: This information is not intended to replace professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice.
What to Know About the Current Measles Outbreak
As of February 21, 2025, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported that the measles outbreak in Texas currently has a total of 90 confirmed cases in the South Plains Region. Other states reporting confirmed measles cases this year include New Mexico, New Jersey, Georgia, New York, Rhode Island, Alaska, and California. Dr. Mona shared that every single case in Texas was related to the unvaccinated or those of unknown vaccination status. If you live outside of the region of reported cases, Dr. Mona says there’s no need to panic, but “it’s a great reminder, again, to please vaccinate on schedule.” To find up-to-date and recent reported cases in your own state, look to your state health department and the CDC website.
What Is Measles?
So, what is measles, exactly? Also known as rubeola, measles is a very contagious viral infection that can lead to hospitalization, complications, and death. Measels is spread by airborne (breathing, coughing, sneezing) and direct contact with infectious droplets. This virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. To put it into perspective, the flu can easily be spread, but Dr. Mona shares that, “Measles spreads way faster than the flu. If 10 unvaccinated kids are in a room with someone who has measles, nine of them will likely get sick.” There are several signs and symptoms to look out for, too.
Signs and Symptoms of Measles
Dr. Playforth separated the signs and symptoms of measles into four stages. These can occur up to seven to 14 days after contact with the virus.
Stage 1
- Exposure
- Most people have no symptoms or mild symptoms
Stage 2 (May Have Some But Not All of the Following)
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Conjunctivitis
- Light sensitivity
- Cold like symptoms and congestion (coryza)
- 1-3 millimeter white or gray spots inside of mouth (koplik spots)
- These symptoms last two to four days
Stage 3 (Exanthem or Rash Stage)
- Rash is red, flat, and blanching (rash color briefly fades away when pressed on)
- Rash starts on the face and spreads downward (usually doesn’t include palms or soles)
- Skin may start to peel after a few days
- High fevers (104°F or more)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
Stage 4 (Complications and Recovery)
Some severe complications include pneumonia, immune amnesia, brain swelling (encephalitis), severe dehydration, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
Who Is at Risk for Measles?
Measles isn’t a new virus. The United States declared measles “eliminated” in 2000. However, when vaccination rates drop below 95 percent, “even one infected person can start an outbreak,” says Dr. Mona. High-risk people are the unvaccinated, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. There’s good news, according to Dr. Playforth: You’re considered “low-risk” if you are fully vaccinated or born before 1957.
How to Prevent Measles
What makes measles one of the most contagious viruses out there is that it doesn’t just need close contact to spread—it can travel through the air and stay there. Fortunately, having the first dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93 percent effective in preventing measles, and the second dose increases the effectiveness to approximately 97 percent. And the vaccine doesn’t just protect one child individually. It also helps the spread of measles in the community with what is called “herd immunity.” For someone like a newborn or someone with a weakened immune system, herd immunity is a way of protecting people who can’t get the vaccine.
About the MMR Vaccine
The MMR vaccine has been around since 1963. It’s typically given between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. Having the MMR vaccine as scheduled “provides the best and long-lasting protection” against measles, Dr. Mona adds.
What To Do If There Is a Measles Outbreak Near You
Dr. Mona says it’s important to focus on limiting exposure if you’re near an outbreak or if your child can’t get the vaccine quite yet. This includes avoiding crowded places, practicing good hygiene, and watching out for early symptoms, like fever, cough, and rash. Talk to your child’s healthcare team as soon as possible if your child is too young for the vaccine and they have been exposed.
Treating Measles
Measles is something that can’t be easily treated. There aren’t any specific antivirals for it either. Treatment is more focused on managing symptoms and complication prevention. Hospitalization may happen for severe cases like pneumonia, encephalitis, severe dehydration, and especially for people with weaker immune systems.
FAQs
What should I do if I think my child has measles?
If you suspect your child has measles, Dr. Playforth and Dr. Mona recommend calling your pediatrician before heading to the doctor’s office to avoid exposing other people. Doctors can guide you on the next steps and protocol.
Dr. Playforth suggests that if you’re unable to reach your doctor or health department, calling the emergency room ahead of time can help staff devise a safe plan to prevent further spread.
In the meantime, keep your child hydrated and comfortable. It’s very important to stay home to prevent spreading the virus.
Should my child get the measles vaccine early?
Reach out to your child’s physician for guidance. Every case can be different based on a patient’s history and where you’re geographically located in relation to a measles outbreak.
When do children get the measles vaccine early?
Dr. Mona says there are some situations in which she advises getting the MMR vaccine early. This includes during a measles outbreak and if a baby is traveling to a high-risk area. Babies can get it as early as 6 months, if needed. “An early dose provides some protection, but because the baby’s immune system may not respond as strongly, it doesn’t count as part of the routine two-dose series. The baby would still need the regular doses at 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years to ensure long-term immunity.”
Why is the MMR vaccine not given before 12 months?
Dr. Mona’s reasoning as to why the MMR vaccine is not routinely given before 12 months is because babies are born with some antibodies from their mother. This can interfere with how well the vaccine works. These maternal antibodies start to fade over time, and by 12 months, the vaccine is more likely to build strong immunity.
If my child gets the vaccine early, does it count towards the two-dose series?
No, your child will still need their scheduled doses at 12 months of age and 4 years of age.
Is the second dose of the MMR vaccine considered a booster shot?
“It’s important to know that the second dose is not a booster,” states Dr. Playforth. “The reason for a second dose is that it’s a way to catch the small percentage of children who never mounted an adequate response to the first dose.”
What are common side effects of getting the MMR vaccine?
Common side effects that are mild and temporary include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. You can also have swollen lymph nodes. A mild fever can occur usually within a week after vaccination, and a mild rash can appear seven to 10 days after vaccination. However, the rash should resolve on its own.
How long does it take for someone to build up immunity after receiving the MMR vaccine?
After getting the MMR vaccine, it takes two to three weeks for the body to build up immunity. Dr. Mona shares, “During this time, the immune system responds to the vaccine by producing antibodies that provide protection.”
If a parent is unsure if their child has received the MMR vaccine (and are not able to obtain any records), is it OK to get it?
The simple answer is “yes.” If you can’t find any record of vaccination, Dr. Mona says, “It’s safe to get the MMR vaccine again, and there’s no harm in getting an extra dose.” If you’re unsure of your child’s vaccination status, don’t hesitate to discuss your options with your pediatrician. In some cases, doctors can check immunity with blood tests, although it’s not necessary.
Does Vitamin A treat measles?
Dr. Playforth states there has been some evidence supporting that vitamin A can help decrease severe illness in hospitalized patients. However, “Because there are risks to taking excess vitamin A, this is not something we recommend doing on your own at home.”
Final Thoughts on Measles
Simply said: The measles doesn’t sound great. If you have any questions, reach out to your child’s doctor. They are available to you as a resource, and, as a former healthcare worker myself, education is key. My kids’ pediatrician doesn’t know it yet, but she has reached the status of “probably would have ranked her as one of my Top 8 Myspace friends”—if that were still a thing!
Patty Schepel, Editorial Assistant
As the editorial assistant, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her family, training for half marathons—she ran one 16 weeks pregnant—traveling, cooking, reading a rom-com, and keeping her sourdough starter, Rose, alive.