Public health officials urge vigilance as measles cases rise nationwide

CINCINNATI (WKRC)— Public health providers are advising doctors across the country to be vigilant as measles cases continue to spread. Vaccination remains the only effective prevention against this highly contagious illness.

A two-shot series of the measles vaccine is required for lifetime protection in both children and adults. Those unsure if they have received both shots may be eligible for a booster. However, Dr. Stephen Feagins, Hamilton County Public Health Medical Director, said, “If you got the full series, then the indication to have a booster as an adult is simply not there.”

The virus that causes measles is so contagious that it is estimated each infected person can spread it to up to 18 unvaccinated individuals. In comparison, COVID-19 may impact two others.

The National Institutes of Health reports that potential complications from measles include seizures, blindness, and hearing loss. It also causes “immune amnesia,” which means that rather than boosting your immune system, “getting measles as an unvaccinated individual actually lowers your immune system significantly to other types of infections,” said Dr. Feagins. This increased vulnerability to other illnesses is not a concern for those protected by the measles vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that individuals born before 1957 likely have immunity from childhood exposure and do not need the vaccine.