Are Indiana residents at risk for measles? Here’s what you should know

Unfortunately, measles is back on the map. As of April 11, 2025, there have been 712 measles cases confirmed in 25 states, including the first pediatric measles death in the United States in over a decade when a child who was not vaccinated died in a Texas outbreak in February. Since then, another child has died in Texas and an adult died from measles in New Mexico. Both were unvaccinated. A big reason why the disease has returned is because vaccination rates for measles have dropped.

In February 2024, Indiana had its first case of measles in five years in Lake County. Indiana is currently experiencing a measles outbreak in Allen County that began on April 7 and raised the number of people infected in the state to six. The low rates of immunization in Indiana may be cause for concern. About 95% of individuals need to be vaccinated against measles to help prevent outbreaks through herd immunity. But according to the Indiana Department of Health, almost 10% of Indiana kindergarteners are not up to date on their MMR vaccines, which protect against measles, mumps and rubella. In specific counties, this rate is even lower.

Learn more about measles and what you need to know to stay safe:

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air when someone with an infection breathes, coughs or sneezes. You can catch measles from someone simply by being in the room with them, even up to two hours after they leave. Measles causes a red, blotchy rash on the skin that typically begins in the face and spreads downward on the body.

Someone who contracts measles will probably be contagious for several days before they know they are sick. Symptoms of measles show up seven to 10 days after contact with the virus, and may include:

• A high fever, which can rise past 104° F
• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Loss of appetite
• Red, watery eyes or pink eye infection (conjunctivitis)
• Tiny white spots may appear in the mouth
• A rash that begins as flat spots near the hairline and spreads to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. The rash typically appears two to four days after other symptoms begin

Measles is a virus, so there’s no treatment available. The only option is to alleviate the symptoms.

There’s a possibility that contracting measles can make you more vulnerable to other infections. Scientists are learning more about how measles causes the immune system to “forget” how to fight off other infections in what’s called immune amnesia. This can last for years after having measles.

Who’s at risk for measles?

Anyone who hasn’t had measles or two doses of the MMR vaccine is at risk for this virus. While some people get sick from measles and then pass the virus in a couple weeks, this disease can also cause complications. Complications include ear infections and diarrhea. About one in 20 people suffer severe complications like pneumonia and about one in 1,000 experience brain swelling. In the United States, about one in five people who are not vaccinated and get the measles will be hospitalized, and about one to three of every 1,000 children who get the virus will die from severe complications.

Measles is particularly dangerous for:

• Children younger than five years of age
• Adults older than 20 years of age
• Pregnant women
• People who have weakened immune systems, such as people with leukemia or an HIV infection

How to prevent measles

The best way to avoid contracting measles is by getting vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is delivered in two shots and proves 97% effective against measles. More than 50 years of research on tens of millions of infants and children has produced data showing that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective. The MMR vaccine does not cause autism, and serious side effects from the vaccine are rare. Though vaccine skepticism has led to drops in immunization rates, local health officials say the MMR vaccine continues to save lives.

There are two types of vaccines for measles: MMR and MMRV, which also vaccinates against varicella, or chickenpox. For adults, these two doses are delivered at least 28 days apart.

Children typically receive the first dose of MMR between 12 to 18 months of age and the second one between four and six years. During an outbreak, infants can get a dose of the MMR vaccine as early as six months of age. This is not considered part of the routine vaccine series, and your child will still need to receive two doses of MMR after they turn 12 months of age. When a child has already received a dose of MMR after turning 12 months of age, they can receive the second dose as early as 28 days later. They will then be considered fully vaccinated.

If you’re unsure about the vaccination status for you or your family, the Centers for Disease Control offers a guide to track down vaccination records.

If I’ve been vaccinated against measles, do I need a booster?

If you’ve had the two-dose MMR vaccine, you do not need another immunization. If you’ve contracted the measles virus in the past, you’ve also developed life-long immunity and do not need a booster. However, if you had a measles vaccine before 1968, you may need a booster because that vaccine was not as effective as current options.

Talk to your doctor if you want to schedule a vaccination are uncertain about your vaccination status. If you think you have measles, be sure to stay home and take steps to prevent the spread the virus.

Remember:

• Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe complications.
• Young children and people who are pregnant or immunocompromised are most at risk for severe illness from measles.
• There’s no treatment for measles, only symptom management.
• The two-dose MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing the measles virus.
• People who have had the two-dose MMR vaccine or experienced the virus have lifelong immunity.
• Ask your doctor if you are not sure of your vaccination status.
• If you are concerned that you or your child may have measles, call the doctor’s office first before seeking care. This helps them better care for you and provide additional instructions to keep everyone safe.