What Do I Need To Know?

  • While there is a growing sense of unease in many communities across the country, which now includes our own, Pediatrics Northwest clinicians and team will continue to look to the governing bodies that we know and trust for guidance – the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control, and our local Department of Health.  
  • As the current measles outbreak unfolds, we will be in communication within our practice as well as with local infectious disease specialists regarding exposure risk, vaccine recommendations including early or alternate schedules, and guidance on prevention, transmission, and surveillance.
  • In this shifting landscape, we encourage ongoing conversation and recognize the need to adapt.
Our priority is for our patients, their families, and the health of our community.
We are grateful for your patience and understanding as we navigate the uncertainty ahead. For questions, please contact the clinic via phone or MyChart.

 What is measles?

Measles is a disease that is caused by a virus. People with measles may have some or all of the following:

  • A fever that gradually goes up to 103°-105°F
  • Cough, runny nose, pink eye
  • Raised, bluish-white spots inside the mouth
  • A rash consisting of red spots, raised in the middle. The rash begins at the hairline and moves to the face and neck before descending downward and outward over the rest of the body
  • Diarrhea
  • Lack of appetite

How does measles spread?

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, measles viruses are spread in the small respiratory droplets. If a susceptible person breathes in these droplets or touches an infected surface and then puts his hand in his mouth or nose, he is likely to get measles.

How contagious is measles?

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. In fact, if 100 susceptible people are in a room with someone who is infected, 90 of them are likely to become ill with measles. Further, if someone who has not had measles enters an elevator or other small space up to two hours after an infected person has left, he or she can still “catch” measles.

Are there complications from measles infections?

Yes.

About 3 of every 10 people who get measles will develop complications such as:

  • Severe ear infections that can lead to deafness
  • Blindness
  • Pneumonia
  • Swelling of the brain
  • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (a disease characterized by progressive neurological deterioration and early death)
  • Hemorrhagic measles – includes seizures, delirium, difficulty breathing and bleeding under the skin
  • Clotting disorder
  • Death

Pregnant women who are infected with measles can miscarry, deliver early, or have a low-birth-weight baby. People who are immune compromised are at risk of having prolonged and severe illness. As you can see, measles is a serious viral infection with major impacts and unfavorable outcomes.

Prevention through the MMR vaccine makes sense for your child and for our community as a whole.