How to Protect Your Children During a Measles Outbreak
Amid National Measles Outbreaks, Vaccination Rates For Alaska Children Have Fallen, Report Says
The Seminole Hospital District offers measles testing in Seminole, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File) Alaska's rates for childhood vaccinations are well below the national average, and the percentage of kindergarteners who had received all recommended vaccines was the lowest last year since at least 2017, according to a new report from the state Department of Health.
Only 54% of kindergarteners in the state received all of their recommended vaccinations in 2024, according to a bulletin issued by the department's epidemiology section. That compares to a national rate of about 93%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There are six recommended vaccines for severe illnesses for kindergarten-age children, and Alaska rates fall below the national average for all six, including polio and chickenpox. For the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, commonly called MMR, only 76% of Alaska kindergarteners in 2024 had completed the recommended two-dose series, the bulletin said. That compares to a 93% national rate for the MMR vaccine, said the bulletin, which documented a downward drift in vaccination rates over recent years.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus, causing fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, and can cause serious illness and death. Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after infection.
The bulletin has a warning: "Declining measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates in Alaska could jeopardize the health of Alaskans."
Information about Alaska's lagging childhood vaccination rates comes at a critical time.
Anchorage health officials on May 22 reported the city's first case of measles in several years. The patient was an unvaccinated child, municipal officials said.
The Anchorage case follows two reported earlier in the year on the Kenai Peninsula, one an adult who had traveled internationally and one a minor, according to the Department of Health.
Unlike the adult Kenai Peninsula case, the sickened Anchorage child had not traveled, said Dr. George Conway, the municipality's chief medical officer. The child had not had contact with anyone who showed signs of having measles, such as skin rashes, so the source of exposure remains unclear, he said.
But the infected child did spend time at numerous public spaces in Anchorage before being diagnosed on May 21, including a trampoline park and the local YMCA, officials said.
No related measles infections have been reported in Anchorage as of Thursday since this month's single diagnosis was revealed.
Though measles was declared to have been eliminated in the United States in 2000, thanks to the vaccine, the proclamation may have been premature.
Currently, there are large outbreaks elsewhere in the nation, particularly in Texas and neighboring states. There were 1,046 cases and three measles deaths reported nationally as of May 22, according to the CDC. Almost all the cases have been among unvaccinated people, the CDC said.
Conway said the national situation makes the Anchorage case unsurprising. Reduced rates of vaccination around the nation and in Alaska have set up conditions for outbreaks, he said.
"We have a vulnerability and that's manifesting itself in our susceptibility to cases," he said. "Alaska is certainly no shining star as far as vaccination rates, but we're not the worst off, either."
There are a few states, such as Idaho, that have vaccination rates for kindergarteners that are below Alaska's rates, according to the CDC. But most states have higher rates for all childhood vaccines.
Conway, who has four decades of experience working in public health, used two words to describe the downward trend in childhood vaccinations: "discouraging" and "disappointing."
Much of that is the result of misinformation and confusion spread on the internet, including a debunked theory that vaccines cause autism among children, he said. That intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.
"It's a much harder environment in which to give advice," he said.
When it comes to measles, many in the public may underestimate the danger, he added..
"The thing about measles that a lot of people may not understand is it is one of possibly the most readily transmissible respiratory viruses, and it can cause serious illness and deaths," he said.
The state Department of Health has a similar warning message on its website. "Measles isn't just a little rash. It's a highly contagious viral respiratory illness that can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Each year around the world, an estimated 10 million people get measles, and about 110,000 of them die from it," the department warns.
A child's cheek in this undated photo shows the characteristic rash associated with measles. (Photo provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Use of the measles vaccine began in the 1960s. Conway said it is credited with saving 93 million lives worldwide since then.
Health officials hope the news about the Anchorage child who contracted measles – now recovering well – will motivate residents to ensure that they and their children are vaccinated against that and other diseases, Conway said.
However, Anchorage health officials have not noticed any rush toward vaccination yet, he said.
Sarah Aho, the Department of Health's immunization program manager, said Alaska's low rate of childhood vaccination is "a multi-faceted situation" that needs a broad-based response.
Disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were among them, she said by email.
"We saw fewer children vaccinated early in the COVID-pandemic, initially due to fewer kids attending their well-child visits for routine vaccinations in 2020. Many of those kids are now in kindergarten and may have not gotten up-to-date on their routine immunizations," she said.
A previous report, issued in 2023, also suggested that COVID-related disruptions have resulted in lower vaccination coverage, though for younger children.
Aho, like Conway, also cited bad information leading to mistrust of health science as a factor in reduced vaccination rates. The "increasing prevalence of misinformation might impact vaccine confidence," she said by email.
Additionally, there are logistical complications in some areas of Alaska, Aho said. "Access to vaccines is a challenge in some communities, further exacerbating barriers of time and potential vaccine availability," she said.
To address those issues, health officials are developing an Alaska Immunization Coalition and increasing educational efforts, including focused use of postcard reminders, she said.
Originally published by the Alaska Beacon, an independent, nonpartisan news organization that covers Alaska state government.
Measles In Missouri – What Should You Know?
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The number of cases of measles reported in Missouri this year is the same for all of 2024 so far. However, nationally this year is unusual.
Thirty-one of the states have experienced cases — including 14 outbreaks – and there are already more than three times the number of cases nationally than in all of 2024. 92% of the nation's cases are outbreak-related, and public health officials in and outside of Missouri are seeing cases and exposures occur due to both domestic and international travel.
"Missouri is not immune to experiencing a significant outbreak similar to what we have seen in other states this year," said Dr. George Turabelidze. "Measles is caused by one of the most contagious viruses. We have several under-vaccinated communities in Missouri, and all it takes is one case in an area with these vulnerable individuals to cause an outbreak."
Below are commonly asked questions regarding measles and vaccination.
How contagious is measles?
One person with measles can easily pass it on to 9 out of 10 people who are unvaccinated or do not have immunity. It spreads through the air when a person with measles coughs or sneezes, and the virus can live in the air for up to 2 hours. A person with measles is contagious from 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after the rash appears.
Is measles dangerous?
Yes. Measles can be very dangerous, especially for children under 5 years old and people with compromised immune systems.
Most people think of measles as a childhood disease, but anyone can get measles if they are not protected.
How do I protect myself and my family?
Vaccination offers the best protection against measles. In use in the United States since the 1970s, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective at preventing disease. One dose of the MMR vaccine provides 93% protection against measles. The second dose increases protection to 97% for a lifetime.
Who should seek vaccination?
The current recommendation for MMR vaccination is as follows:
Who would have evidence of measles immunity?
Evidence of immunity may be applicable to those:
What happens when someone gets measles, or is exposed to someone with measles?
Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages, starting 1-2 weeks after a person has been exposed to the virus.
An exposure occurs when a person is in the same enclosed space (e.G., room, office, waiting room, building) with someone who has measles, or occupies this space within 2 hours after the infected person has left.
Depending upon the situation, people without proof of immunity that have been near someone with measles will need to take steps to avoid contact with others for 21 days after their last exposure, especially where persons are unvaccinated or at high risk for measles.
How should I go about getting myself or a family member vaccinated?
MMR is a recommended vaccine that is covered by most private insurance companies.
What should businesses, schools and communities do to prepare?
Properly covering coughs and sneezes and good handwashing should be encouraged. Individuals should also be advised to stay home if they are sick. If measles is suspected in a student or employee, the individual should seek medical care but not until they have first notified their health care provider so care can be taken to limit further spread. Suspected measles should be reported to the local public health agency so proper guidance can be provided to those potentially exposed.
View general measles response guidance for non-health care settings.
View tips for preventing spread in school and childcare settings.
View more information, including county immunization rates, at Health.Mo.Gov/Measles.
Virginia Health Officials Confirm Second Measles Case In Charlottesville
The Virginia Department of Health reported the state's second measles case of the year on May 23. The patient is a teenager (13-17 years) in the Northwest Region who recently traveled internationally. To protect the family's privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed.
Dates, times and locations of potential measles exposure in Virginia:Charlottesville Albemarle Airport on Tuesday, May 20 between 2:15 p.M. And 5:30 p.M.
Play it Again Sports, located at 1885 Seminole Trail in Charlottesville on Tuesday, May 20 from 2:40 p.M. To 5 p.M.
Goodwill Store and Donation Center, located at 440 Gander Drive in Charlottesville on Tuesday, May 20 from 3:10 p.M. To 5:30 p.M.
UVA Health Primary Care Riverside, located at 2335 Seminole Lane, Suite 200 in Charlottesville on Thursday, May 22 from 2 p.M. To 7:10 p.M.
UVA Health University Medical Center Emergency Department, located at 1215 Lee St. In Charlottesville on Friday, May 23 from 12 a.M. To 6 a.M.
This case is the second case reported in the Northwest Region of Virginia in 2025. The first case was reported in April. For the latest information on measles cases in Virginia, please visit the Reportable Disease Monthly Surveillance Report.
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Experts underscore the importance of MMR vaccinations to prevent the spread of measles and bolster collective immunity.
What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles.Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Non-immune individuals may qualify for post-exposure treatments. People who might have been exposed and are not immune should contact their health care provider or local health department immediately to coordinate administration of post-exposure prophylaxis.
Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider's office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.
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Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.
Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine, said the VDH. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.
To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.Virginia.Gov or contact your local health department.
For more information about measles visit www.Vdh.Virginia.Gov/measles/
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Monique Calello is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas always welcome. Connect with her at mcalello@newsleader.Com. Support local journalism and subscribe to us at newsleader.Com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Virginia Health Officials confirm second measles case in Charlottesville
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