Kaitlin Fyne

Over the past several months, measles cases have been confirmed closer and closer to our beloved Park County. As your infection preventionist at Powell Valley Healthcare, I would like to share some key information about measles, how you can protect your family and community members, and what to do if you suspect you or a loved one have measles or have been exposed.

What Is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can remain contagious, suspended in the air for up to two hours. If a susceptible person breathes the contaminated air or touches a contaminated surface and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can become infected. Symptoms can appear five to 21 days post-exposure and usually start with a runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a fever. Two to three days after the initial symptoms appear, a person may develop small, raised, white or yellowish spots on the inside of their cheeks near the molars; these are called Koplik spots and are disease-specific to measles. Three to five days after the initial symptoms appear begins a rash. The rash is unique in that it starts at the face or hairline and spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, and legs. The rash is usually accompanied by a high fever (up to 104 F) and is generally not itchy. A person is contagious for four days leading up to the rash onset and four days after.

While measles may be “just a rash” for some people, it can cause serious complications in others- especially in children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.

Vaccination: Safe, Effective, and Essential

The good news is that measles is largely preventable. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is safe and 97% effective against measles after two doses. People who receive MMR vaccination according to the U.S. vaccination schedule are usually considered protected for life against measles and boosters are not generally indicated. There are several vaccine brands on the market: the M-M-R II vaccine has been licensed in the United States since 1978 and is supported by decades of research and monitoring. PRIORIX is newer to the US market but has been implemented in other countries for measles protection since 1997. ProQuad is the “newest” vaccine, because it is a combination vaccine with MMR and varicella (chicken pox) for children that has been FDA approved since 2005.

Thanks to early vaccination efforts, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. Unfortunately, with decreased vaccination rates post-COVID, we are seeing an increased number of cases nation-wide and regionally. As of June 12, there are 1,197 confirmed cases of measles across the U.S.  The state of Montana has 20 confirmed cases across four different counties. There are 34 cases confirmed in North Dakota, and 15 cases in Colorado. There have been confirmed measles cases with reported exposure to U.S. airports and so it is likely just a matter of time until Wyoming sees its first case.

So What Can You Do?

If you or your child develop symptoms of measles or may have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case, please call ahead to your health care provider before going to their office, urgent care or emergency room. This allows our health care teams to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and other patients, especially those who may be at higher risk of severe illness. Measles rarely requires an emergency visit. Unless you or your loved one are experiencing a severe case or complication of measles, our Powell Valley Healthcare Clinic is prepared and fully equipped to manage this illness.

If exposed, 90% of unvaccinated people will get measles. If you’re unsure of your or your child’s MMR vaccination status, check with your health care provider. Most people receive the first dose at 12-15 months old and the second dose around age 5. It’s never too late to catch up on missed vaccinations! According to the CDC, those with written documentation of two vaccines, those who have previously had measles, and those who were born before 1957 are presumed immune from measles.

Let’s keep Park County safe! Make sure you’re up to date on your MMR vaccine and call ahead to your provider if you suspect you or a loved one may have measles.

(Kaitlin Fyne, RN, BSN is the infection prevention coordinator at Powell Valley Healthcare.)