Measles outbreak underscores the importance of immunization
There were 102 cases of measles reported in 14 states in January 2015, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the outbreak continues to grow. Colorado had one
confirmed case reported January 5. The majority of people who got measles were unvaccinated.
Measles still is common in many parts of the world including some countries in Europe, Asia, the
Pacific and Africa. Measles spreads easily in a community where groups of people are unvaccinated.
Symptoms of measles generally appear seven to 14 days after a person is infected. Measles
typically begins with a high fever; cough; runny nose; and red, watery eyes. Measles is a highly
contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It spreads to others
through coughing and sneezing. A rash appears three to five days after symptoms begin.
The measles virus can live up to two hours on a surface or in the air where an infected person
coughed or sneezed. When other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface,
then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected. About 90 percent of people who
are not immune and are close to a person with measles will become infected. Infected people can
spread measles to others from four days before to four days after the appearance of the rash.
One dose of measles vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles if exposed to
the virus, and two doses increase effectiveness to about 97 percent. Children should receive one
dose of measles vaccine at 12-15 months, and a second dose at 4-6 years of age. All children who
have not previously been vaccinated should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Adults who don’t
have immunity need at least one dose of measles vaccine.
If you’re unsure whether you’re immune to measles, try to find your vaccination records or
documentation of measles immunity. If you do not have written documentation of measles
immunity, you should get a measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. There is no harm in getting
another dose of the MMR vaccine even if you already may be immune to measles, or mumps or
Contact your primary care provider to receive the vaccine. MMR shots are a preventive care
benefit for both children and adults covered under the Affordable Care Act and for most people the
immunization will be free. For more information, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/what-are-my-
preventive-care-benefits/. If you do not have a primary care provider, there are many other
locations in the community, including San Juan Basin Health (970-247-5702) where you can be
Visit the CDC for more information on measles and vaccination.
