As many people have heard, there is an increase in measles cases in the United States Below are some of the things you should know.
Measles is caused by a virus (Morbillivirus) which is very contagious. It is transferred by direct contact or via airborne droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. Persons who have contracted measles are contagious approximately 4 days before showing the rash and 4 days afterward.
As of mid-March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received reports of measles cases from Alaska, Washington, California, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Texas. There are no cases currently in Nevada nor have there been any in 2024.
There is no known effective western treatment for measles. Chinese medicine has folk remedies but we are uncertain how effective they are.
The immune system has to eradicate it which usually takes 10 – 14 days. The measles virus can cause immune suppression causing secondary infections. Most deaths occur due to pneumonia.
If you have been vaccinated against measles (had the MMR vaccinations as a child), you should have immunity. It has been shown that you lose .04% per year effectiveness against the virus over time. Therefore, if you had the vaccine 80 years ago it is still 97% effective. If you are concerned about your level of immunity, there are tests you can request from your Primary Care Physician – MMR antibody screening or a measles IgG antibody test. These will tell you if you have Immunity. If you do not have immunity, a booster shot is recommended.
