MEASLES IS BACK: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO STAY PROTECTED

In recent months, cases of measles have been on the rise across the United States and globally. Once thought to be nearly eradicated thanks to highly effective vaccination campaigns, this highly contagious disease is making an alarming comeback. For many, this raises urgent questions: Am I still immune? Do I need a booster? What risks does measles pose to my family or community?

As a physician specializing in internal and preventive medicine, I believe it’s critical that patients understand the health implications of measles, the reasons behind its resurgence, and what actions you can take right now to protect yourself.

What is Measles?

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a viral illness caused by the measles virus. It is one of the most contagious respiratory viruses known to man. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets — coughing, sneezing, or even talking — and the virus can remain airborne or live on surfaces for up to two hours.

Symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure and include:

• High fever (up to 104°F)

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

• Koplik spots (tiny white lesions inside the mouth)

• A distinctive red blotchy rash that spreads from the head downward

  
  

Complications can be severe, especially in children under 5, adults over 20, and people with weakened immune systems.

Why Is Measles Making a Comeback?

There are several contributing factors to the resurgence of measles cases:

1. Declining Vaccination Rates: Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy have led to lower vaccination coverage in certain communities. Herd immunity requires at least 95% of a population to be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks.

2. Travel and Globalization: Measles remains endemic in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Unvaccinated individuals traveling abroad — or travelers entering the U.S. — can introduce the virus into communities with low immunity.

3. Disruptions During COVID-19: Routine pediatric and adult immunization rates dropped during the pandemic. This led to gaps in coverage that are now being exploited by the virus.

4. Inadequate Public Health Infrastructure: In some regions, surveillance and response systems are underfunded or overwhelmed, leading to delayed identification and containment.

   
   

How Dangerous Is Measles?

Although many view measles as a “childhood illness,” it is anything but benign. Complications can be life-threatening and include:

• Pneumonia (the most common cause of death in young children with measles)

• Encephalitis (brain swelling)

• Blindness

• Deafness

• Severe diarrhea and dehydration

• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal degenerative brain disorder that can appear years after infection

  
  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles will be hospitalized.

Are You Immune to Measles?

If you're unsure whether you're protected, you’re not alone. Many adults born before or after certain years have valid questions about their immunity. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Born before 1957: Likely immune due to natural exposure, though exceptions exist.

• Born between 1957 and 1989: May have received only one dose of the MMR vaccine, which is less effective than the two-dose regimen introduced later.

• Born after 1989: Most likely received two doses as per current CDC guidelines.

  
  

If you want to confirm your immunity, I offer a simple Measles IgG titer test at the Beverly Hills Institute. This blood test detects antibodies that confer immunity. If your result is positive, you're protected. If negative, you can receive the MMR vaccine from any local pharmacy.

Vaccination: The Most Powerful Protection

The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) is safe, effective, and typically administered in two doses:

• First dose at 12–15 months of age

• Second dose at 4–6 years of age

Adults who are unsure of their vaccination history or who have not received two doses should consult their physician. A second dose is generally recommended for:

• College students

• International travelers

• Healthcare professionals

• Anyone during a local outbreak

There is no harm in getting the MMR vaccine again if you're unsure about your status — the benefits outweigh the risks.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re reading this and feel uncertain about your measles immunity, here are your immediate next steps:

1. Schedule a Measles IgG titer with my office at the Beverly Hills Institute.

2. Get the MMR vaccine at your local pharmacy if your titer is negative.

3. Ensure your children are vaccinated with both MMR doses on schedule.

4. Reinforce public health awareness in your community by sharing accurate information and encouraging routine preventive care.

   
   

Measles and the Bigger Picture of Preventive Care

The recent uptick in measles cases is a stark reminder of how quickly vaccine-preventable diseases can resurface when we let our guard down. At the Beverly Hills Institute, my philosophy is rooted in proactive, personalized care — not just for aesthetics or chronic conditions, but for public health issues that impact all of us.

Preventive care is more than blood pressure checks and annual labs. It’s about anticipating risk, taking early action, and protecting the community.

Final Thoughts

We have the tools to stop measles in its tracks — but it requires individual awareness and collective responsibility. Whether you’re traveling, unsure about past vaccines, or simply haven’t thought about measles since grade school, now is the time to act.

If you're interested in checking your immunity or have any questions about your vaccination history, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you stay protected and informed.

Contact our office today to schedule a Measles IgG Titer.

Alex Foxman, MD, FACP, ABOM

Founder & Medical DirectorBeverly Hills Institute

www.bhinstitute.com