In response to a surge in measles cases across several states, the Alabama Department of Public Health is urging parents to ensure their children are up-to-date with vaccinations. The disease has been on the rise in places like Texas and Georgia during the early months of 2025. This highly contagious illness can spread easily among unvaccinated individuals, who have a 90% chance of contracting it upon exposure. Infected persons can transmit the virus for up to three weeks, making prevention through vaccination crucial.

The viral respiratory illness known as measles spreads primarily through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically manifest one to two weeks after exposure, starting with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash. Dr. Karen Landers, the Chief Medical Officer at ADPH, emphasized that individuals can be contagious four days before symptoms appear and even longer for those with compromised immune systems.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, so managing symptoms involves providing rest and fluids. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever. However, complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, or encephalitis can occur in some cases. Prevention remains the best approach, particularly through the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is administered in two doses: the first between 12-15 months and the second between ages 4 and 6.

Vaccines are readily available at pediatric offices and county health departments. Health officials stress that the risk of serious harm from the MMR vaccine is extremely low compared to the dangers of contracting measles. Parents are advised to consult a healthcare provider immediately if they suspect their child may have been exposed to the virus. Ensuring timely vaccination not only protects individual children but also contributes to community immunity against this preventable disease.