By Dr. Dan Slater 
Chair, Pediatrics & Associate Chair, Primary Care

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance to remind people of all ages about the importance of staying up-to-date on their vaccinations. People all over the world, including those in the United States, still become seriously ill (and sometimes even die) from diseases that vaccines can help prevent. That’s why it’s so important for you and your family members to stay up-to-date on all vaccines recommended by your primary care provider.

One of the most important vaccinations, especially for children, is the measles vaccine. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. It is easily spread through coughing, sneezing and respiratory droplets, and can remain infectious in the air or on counter tops for up to two hours. In fact, 90% of people exposed to the measles virus who are unvaccinated will become infected.

Unfortunately, there has been a significant increase in measles outbreaks across the country. As of August 8^th, there have been 211 cases of measles in 27 states and jurisdictions in the United States. Children under five years of age represent 40% of these cases. In addition, 58% of children under five years old infected with measles required hospitalization.

Measles is a very dangerous disease. For every 1,000 children who get measles, one or two will die from it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most common cause of death is a complication from pneumonia and/or encephalitis (brain swelling).

The symptoms of measles are severe and include fever (up to 105 F), malaise, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and diarrhea. The incubation period is 7-21 days after being exposed to the illness. Measles features a distinctive rash, which usually appears approximately 14 days after exposure. Any child who contracts measles will need to miss significant amounts of school time in order not to infect others. Fortunately, measles is easily preventable with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Vaccination can begin as early as six months of age, and the vaccine is given in a two-dose series typically at 12 months and 4 years of age. Teens and young adults should also be up-to-date on the MMR vaccine.

The Department of Pediatrics at Reliant Medical Group encourages parents to have their children fully immunized against all dangerous childhood diseases. Please call your child’s primary care provider to schedule an appointment for a vaccination if your child is not fully protected. Vaccines have been proven to be a safe and effective way to prevent disease. Please take advantage of them!