The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a health advisory in response to rising measles cases in the U.S. As of February 27, 2025, a total of 164 measles cases were reported by nine jurisdictions.
The U.S. recently recorded its first measles death in a decade. The pediatric death occurred in Texas and marks the state’s largest measles outbreak in 30 years.
Measles is one of the most contagious air-borne diseases, despite the existence of a highly effective vaccine. The infection was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, meaning for a year there was no continuous transmission of the disease. Measles infection rates have since climbed as, among other factors, vaccination rates among children have dropped below the CDC’s 95% target, a threshold for herd immunity.
Health care experts in northeast and central Wisconsin are watching for signs of the infection in patients. Nathan Nobbe, ThedaCare’s Director of Infection Prevention-North Region, is concerned about the outbreak, as well as declining measles immunization rates among children.
“As an organization dedicated to improving community health, ThedaCare continues to encourage vaccination against measles and other similarly communicable diseases,” he said. “Immunization is the simplest course of action we can take to prevent or at least significantly slow the spread of infections like measles.”
Measles is Highly Contagious
Measles is an airborne, extremely infectious, and potentially severe rash illness. The virus lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air. According to the CDC, measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person will also become infected if not already immune.
Measles can cause serious health issues, especially in children younger than 5-years-old.
“An estimated, one in five children diagnosed with measles will end up hospitalized,” Nobbe said. “In the most severe cases, a measles infection can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, and death. This is a virulent infection to be taken seriously.”
Symptoms usually begin 7-14 days after becoming infected. Most common symptoms include:
- High fever (may spike to more than 104°)
- Cough
- Runny nose (coryza)
- Red rash that breaks out, head to toe
- Small raised white spots on top of the red rash
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- White spots that may appear inside the mouth
“Measles is caused by a virus, so there’s no antibiotic or specific medical treatment for it. The virus simply has to run its course,” Nobbe said. “An infected child should stay hydrated, get lots of rest, and stay home. It’s also strongly advised that a child or an adult with measles should avoid groups or gatherings to help curb the spread.”
Immunizations Are Key
Protection from measles infection begins with immunization, health organizations nationwide have said.
For most children, measles protection is part of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine (MMRV) given when they’re 12 to 15 months old and again when they’re 4 to 6 years old. The first vaccine can be given to babies as young as six months old if they will be traveling internationally.
“About 95% of people achieve immunity with their first vaccine, and the rest develop immunity the second time they’re vaccinated,” Nobbe said. “Immunity usually lasts a lifetime.”
Nobbe echoed the CDC’s stance that declining measles vaccination rates among children are allowing the disease a new foothold.
The CDC targets a 95% MMR vaccination rate among kindergarten children, an amount the nation reached during the 2019-2020 school year. The following year the rate slipped to 94%. During the 2022-2023 school year, it was 93%. In some Wisconsin counties, the numbers are even lower.
“The current measles outbreak is another reminder for area parents and families to make sure they and their children are up-to-date on recommended immunizations,” Nobbe said. “We cannot stress this enough – vaccination is the most effective preventative strategy in avoiding the measles. As always, connect with your health care provider if you have questions or concerns about measles or other infectious illnesses.”
Families can verify immunization status by using one of two resources:
- Log in to your child’s MyThedaCare account and select Immunizations.
- Visit the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.
Children can receive vaccines through ThedaCare regardless of insurance status. If your child needs a vaccine, you can use the MyThedaCare web site to make an appointment.
