Idaho families must act now to prevent a measles outbreak

If you are unvaccinated and exposed to the measles, there is a 90% chance you will become infected. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and can include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, white spots inside the mouth, and a distinctive rash, writes guest columnist Noreen Womack. (Getty Images)

As a pediatrician who has been working in this state for over 20 years, I am deeply concerned about the rising threat of measles across the United States and what it could mean for Idaho.

Recent outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico serve as a stark reminder that measles, a disease once thought to be eliminated in this country, is making a comeback. Sadly, at the end of February, an unvaccinated child in Texas died – the first U.S. death from measles in a decade.

The alarming truth is that nearly all these cases are occurring in individuals who are unvaccinated. While Idaho has yet to experience an outbreak, we can’t afford to be complacent. The best protection for you, your family, and our shared community is ensuring everyone is up to date on their immunizations.

Measles isn’t just a harmless childhood illness. It is one of the most contagious diseases known, spreading easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. 

If you are unvaccinated and exposed, there is a 90% chance you will become infected. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and can include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, white spots inside the mouth, and a distinctive rash. 

In some patients, it can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and, as we’ve just seen, even death. This loss of a child in Texas tragically underscores the real danger measles poses. Children under 5, pregnant women, adults over 20, and those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for these serious outcomes.

There is no treatment for measles. 

Idaho faces unique risks because of our low childhood vaccination rates (81% of kindergarteners had records of receiving the vaccine on the most recent record). The lower the number of people immunized against measles, the more quickly the virus can spread, especially since it thrives when immunization rates fall below 95%.  It takes a community to protect those who can’t be vaccinated, including the 1,000-plus Idaho children who have cancer or weakened immune systems.

The solution to this threat is simple and effective: the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. This vaccine is safe, thoroughly tested, and offers excellent protection. Two doses provide 97% immunity against measles. If you or your child missed a dose, it is not too late to catch up. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status can check with their health care provider – a quick blood test can confirm immunity.

In my practice, I have seen the devastating impact preventable diseases can have on families. It’s heartbreaking to see patients suffer from conditions that could have been avoided with a simple vaccine. 

I urge every Idahoan to review their immunization records and stay up to date with their vaccines. Parents, ensure your children are on schedule with their routine check-ups and immunizations. Employers, consider offering flexibility for employees to get vaccinated. Community leaders and schools, you can also play a critical role by sharing accurate information about vaccine safety and encouraging immunization.

If someone in your household is showing symptoms of measles, contact a health care provider immediately and follow their guidance on testing and isolation. Again, there is no specific medication for measles, so prevention is the best defense. Once someone is infected, early detection and isolation are crucial to prevent the spread to others.

As health care providers, our job is to protect the health of our community, and the best way to do that is by keeping everyone informed about the risks and the options for prevention.

I do not want measles to take hold in our state. We know the best way to stop the spread of this disease in our country is through proactive immunization. With measles outbreaks in states near us, the time to act is now. History has shown us that vaccines save lives.