Well, here we go again—measles is back in the headlines, and not in a good way.
As of mid-March, the U.S. has already reported more measles cases in 2024 than in all of 2023, according to the CDC. Yep, you read that right. In just the first few months of the year, over 60 cases have popped up across 17 states, and health officials are sounding the alarm.
Wait, Measles? Isn’t That… Gone?
That’s what many of us thought, right? Thanks to vaccines, measles had pretty much been kicked to the curb in the U.S. for years. In fact, it was declared eliminated in 2000—meaning it wasn’t spreading here on a regular basis.
But now, it’s creeping back. Why? Fewer people are getting vaccinated, and that creates little gaps for the virus to sneak through.
The Risk to Kids
What’s especially worrying is that a lot of these recent cases involve children under 5, who are too young to be fully vaccinated or who missed doses. Schools, daycare centers, and pediatric clinics are now keeping a closer eye on symptoms and exposure.
Just one case can lead to dozens more, fast—because measles is one of the most contagious viruses out there. If you’re near someone with measles and you’re not protected? There’s a 9 in 10 chance you’ll get it. Oof.
Quick Recap: What Are the Symptoms?
If you’re wondering what to look out for, here’s a simple rundown:
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High fever
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Cough
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Runny nose
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Red, watery eyes
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Tiny white spots in the mouth
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A rash that starts on the face and spreads down
And the tricky part? People can spread the virus before the rash even appears.
The Vaccine Still Works?
Here’s the good news: the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is super effective—97% after two doses. It’s safe, it’s been around for decades, and it’s our best shield against outbreaks like this.
The CDC is urging parents to double-check their kids’ vaccine records—and if you’re an adult who’s not sure if you ever got the shot, your doctor can help you figure it out (or give you a booster, just in case).
It’s not just about one case in one state. When measles spreads, it puts babies, pregnant women, cancer patients, and others with weaker immune systems at serious risk. And in some cases, complications like pneumonia or brain swelling can turn deadly.
This rise in cases is a wake-up call. Not a panic button—but definitely a reminder that keeping up with vaccines matters, even for illnesses we thought were behind us.