Measles Outbreaks: What You Need to Know and How to Stay Protected
Forward Pharmacy can help you stay measles-free
At Forward Pharmacy, your health and safety come first. Recently, measles outbreaks have returned to the headlines across the U.S., including here in Wisconsin, where new cases have appeared after many years without them.
We’ll help you understand what measles is, why it’s dangerous, and how the MMR vaccine can keep you and your family safe. You’ll learn about recent measles cases and how to easily check your immunization status or get vaccinated right here at Forward Pharmacy.
What Is Measles and Why Is It a Concern Again?
Measles is highly contagious.
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In fact, measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of unvaccinated people close to them will catch it. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. This means you can get measles just by being in a room that someone with measles was in recently, even if you didn’t meet them in person.
Lower vaccination rates mean a backward step.
Measles was once declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 thanks to widespread vaccination. However, in recent years measles has made a comeback. More people traveling internationally and pockets of lower vaccination rates have led to new outbreaks. If not enough people are vaccinated, measles can spread “like wildfire” in a community, according to health experts (As Texas measles outbreak turns deadly, Wisconsin physicians raise concern about vaccination rates).
Wisconsin measles vaccination rates are dangerously low.
Experts say we need about 95% vaccination coverage to prevent outbreaks, but Wisconsin currently has one of the lowest childhood measles vaccination rates in the nation (only Alaska is lower), with only about 84.8% of kindergarteners having both doses of the MMR vaccine in the 2023-24 school year. This is well below the recommended 95% level, which is why public health officials are concerned and urging everyone to catch up on vaccinations.
Symptoms of Measles
After a few days of these symptoms, the signature measles rash develops. The rash is made up of red or reddish-brown blotchy spots. It typically starts at the hairline on the forehead and face and then spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, and legs.
The rash usually appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms and can last for a week or more.
People with measles are contagious from about four days before the rash appears until four days after the rash appears.
- Measles causes a red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and spreads over the body.
- Measles symptoms usually appear about 7–14 days after a person is exposed to the virus.
- Early symptoms often mimic a bad cold or the flu.
- High fever (often above 104°F)
- Runny nose and cough
- Red, watery eyes (often sensitive to light)
- Sore throat
- Feeling very tired or weak
What to do if you or your child develops measles symptoms?
When should you get the MMR vaccine?
Risks and Complications of Measles
Measles is more than just a rash – it can be dangerous, especially for young children and others with weaker immune systems. Even healthy teens and adults can get very sick.
- Hospitalization: About 1 in 4 people in the U.S. who get measles end up in the hospital because of it. Measles can make someone extremely ill, often requiring medical care to manage complications.
- Ear infections and diarrhea: These are common complications, especially in children (Immunizations: Measles | Wisconsin Department of Health Services). While they may sound minor, they can be serious in young kids (ear infections from measles can cause hearing loss).
- Pneumonia: About 1 in 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, a serious lung infection. Pneumonia is actually the most common cause of measles-related death in young children.
- Encephalitis (brain swelling): About 1 in 1,000 measles patients develops encephalitis, which can lead to seizures or brain damage.
- Death: Measles can be fatal. Approximately 1 or 2 out of every 1,000 children who get measles will die from it, even with the best care. In recent outbreaks, there have been rare deaths – for example, a measles outbreak in Texas in 2023-2024 caused the first U.S. measles death in many years.
The people at highest risk of severe illness include babies under 5 years old, adults over 20, pregnant women, and anyone with a weakened immune system. However, even previously healthy children and adults can have serious complications.
The good news is that most people who get measles will recover, but why take the risk when we have a safe way to prevent it?
Recent Measles Outbreaks and Stats
You might be hearing about more measles cases in the news lately. Here are some key facts and recent statistics:
- Cases are rising: In 2024, the U.S. saw 285 measles cases reported across 33 states (including Wisconsin). This was a big jump compared to 2023 when there were only 59 cases nationwide. Health officials are concerned because measles is appearing in more communities again.
- Outbreaks are happening: In 2024, there were 16 separate measles outbreaks in the U.S., meaning clusters of 3 or more related cases. By mid-2024, Wisconsin DHS noted that measles was becoming more prevalent nationwide, with dozens of cases linked to outbreaks and most infections occurring in unvaccinated people.
- Wisconsin cases: Measles remains relatively rare in Wisconsin, but it’s not unheard of. In 2023, one measles case was confirmed in a Wisconsin resident. There may have been additional cases in 2024 as measles spread in various states, although Wisconsin hasn’t had a large outbreak. The fact that we’ve had any cases here underscores that we’re not “immune” from what’s happening nationally.
- Low vaccination rates = higher risk: Unfortunately, Wisconsin’s measles vaccination rate in young children has fallen in the past decade. Only about 81.6% of Wisconsin 2-year-olds had at least one dose of measles vaccine in 2023, down from about 88% in 2013. And as mentioned earlier, only ~84.8% of kindergarteners had both doses by the 2023-24 school year. These gaps leave room for measles to spread if it’s introduced. Public health experts warn that our state’s lower vaccination rates could allow an outbreak to take off if measles comes to our area. That’s why it’s so important to stay up to date on MMR vaccinations.
The bottom line is that measles can and does still occur in the U.S., and outbreaks happen when not enough people are protected. The recent rise in cases and outbreaks is a reminder not to take measles lightly. The best way to stop measles is to make sure as many people as possible are immune through vaccination.
MMR Vaccine: Your Best Protection Against Measles
The great news is that we have a very effective and safe vaccine to prevent measles. The measles vaccine is combined with mumps and rubella vaccines into the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella). Getting the MMR vaccine is the single best way to protect yourself and your community from measles (Immunizations: Measles | Wisconsin Department of Health Services).
How effective is the vaccine? Extremely effective. Two doses of MMR provide about 97% protection against measles (Immunizations: Measles | Wisconsin Department of Health Services). Even one dose is about 93% effective (Measles Case is Confirmed in Milwaukee). This high effectiveness is why measles was eliminated in the U.S. two decades ago – the vaccine works so well when people get it. The protection from MMR is long-lasting and typically lifelong. It not only protects you but also helps provide community protection (herd immunity) to those who cannot be vaccinated (such as infants under 6–12 months or people with certain medical conditions).
Check Your Immunization Status and Get Vaccinated at Forward Pharmacy
Measles can be scary, but the solution is simple: ensure you and your loved ones are protected by the MMR vaccine. Forward Pharmacy is here to help our Madison community stay safe from measles.
What you should do now:
- Check your immunization records.
Find out if you (and your children) have received all recommended doses of MMR. If you have children, make sure they’re up to date – one dose by age one and a second by age 4-6. Adults should confirm they’ve been vaccinated, too. You can look up your immunization records online Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) or ask your friendly Forward Pharmacy staff member. - If anyone in your family is missing a dose or not vaccinated, don’t wait – get the MMR vaccine.
Forward Pharmacy offers vaccination services for our patients. We have the MMR vaccine available and can administer it conveniently right here at the pharmacy. Our friendly pharmacists are trained to give vaccines and will answer any questions you have. We make the process easy and comfortable. - Talk to our pharmacists or your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
It’s normal to have questions about vaccines. We are happy to provide trustworthy information and reassure you about the safety and importance of the MMR shot. Remember, measles is preventable – but only if people get vaccinated.
Protect yourself and your community: By getting vaccinated, you’re not just safeguarding your own health – you’re also protecting babies too young to be vaccinated, people with cancer or other conditions who can’t get the shot, and everyone you come into contact with. Measles outbreaks start when even a few people are unvaccinated, but outbreaks can be stopped when enough of us are immune.
Get vaccinated today
If you discover that you or your child needs the MMR vaccine, Forward Pharmacy is ready to help you get up to date. Getting vaccinated is quick, and for most people, it’s covered by insurance. If you don’t have insurance or have cost concerns, let us know – there are programs that can help cover vaccines, so cost isn’t a barrier. Our goal is to make sure everyone who wants protection can get it.
Don’t wait until measles is already in our community. The best time to protect yourself is now.
Call or visit Forward Pharmacy in Madison to check your immunization status and schedule an MMR vaccination if needed. You can also request the MMR vaccine on your next visit for any other service. We will gladly verify your records, answer your questions, and vaccinate you on the spot.
We’re here to help
It’s understandable to feel a little worried when you hear about measles outbreaks. But remember, we have the tools to prevent this disease. By staying informed and getting vaccinated, you can feel confident that you and your family are protected. Measles may be highly contagious, but with the vaccine, it is also highly preventable. Forward Pharmacy is committed to keeping our community healthy – we’re your partners in prevention.
Bottom line: Check your records, talk to us about any needed shots, and get vaccinated if you’re due. Let’s keep measles out of Madison by staying one step ahead. Your health is worth it!
References
Sources: Recent data and recommendations have been provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Immunizations: Measles | Wisconsin Department of Health Services) (Measles Cases and Outbreaks | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC) (Wisconsin kids have second-lowest measles vaccination rate in the nation – WPR), among other trusted health authorities, to ensure you receive the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Stay safe and healthy!