There have been 129 measles cases thus far, with the most (58) in California.

According to the AAP. “95% (122 cases) were associated with international travel, including 34 infected travelers who brought the disease into the United States. Eight of the 34 direct importations were among unvaccinated children ages 6 to 15 months. Most of these children were unvaccinated because of missed opportunities, but a few of their parents chose not to vaccinate them.”

What does Measles look like?

Measles has been referred to as the 3 “Cs” — cough, coryza (stuffy/runny nose) and conjunctivitis (pinkeye), AND a classic rash known as Koplik spots (irregularly-shaped, bright red spots often with a bluish-white central dot on the inside cheeks, by the 1st and 2nd molar), which is followed 2-3 days later by a red pimply rash that begins on the face and neck and spreads out to the arms and legs.

High risk groups include infants less than 1 year of age, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Theses groups may benefit from a shot of Immune globulin (IG).

Measles has been confused with a “viral illness”. If Measles is confirmed, the local health department needs to be notified immediately.

According to the AAP “Although MMR vaccine is highly effective (about 94% to 99% for two doses) at preventing measles, vaccine failures may occur, and this risk may be related to the intensity of exposure.”