U.S. measles outbreak leads health experts to urge vaccinations
by: Alex Coleman
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — With spring break just around the corner, and as many students and families make plans for their travel destinations, there is concern about a measles outbreak in the U.S.
“I think everybody should be concerned about measles. It’s a disease that people, almost everybody used to get, but was associated with about a 5% risk of death, especially in young children. So, we should all be concerned,” said Dr. Sandy Arnold, Director of Infectious Diseases at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
The measles outbreak has grown to at least 124 cases, prompting questions about how to stay safe.
The outbreak is primarily affecting children and teenagers in Texas, nearly all of whom were unvaccinated, and health experts say one child has died.
Nine cases have been reported in New Mexico. But, what about here in Memphis and the Mid-South?
“There was one case in the State of Tennessee in 2024, and there have been no documented cases in Tennessee thus far,” said Dr. Arnold.
Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases, but doctors say the measles vaccine is highly effective and safe.
“Vaccine works extremely well. About 85% of people respond to the 1st dose of vaccine, everybody is required to have 2 doses, because with the second dose that bumps up from 95 to 98%. So it’s highly effective in inducing immunity, and once the immunity is induced, you have lifelong protection against measles,” Dr. Arnold said.
And as many make plans for spring break, Dr. Arnold says taking precautions by protecting yourself with the vaccine is the best preparation.
“I think that if you’re not traveling to a place where there’s known to be an outbreak, I think that you’re fine, but again, always making sure that everybody’s vaccines are up to date,” said Dr. Arnold.
And for those wondering just how safe the measles vaccine is, Dr.Arnold says it is much safer than getting measles. That is why she emphasizes that all parents should make sure their children are up to date with their vaccines.
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