Louis Katz: Stopping measles before the rash shows up

Measles is coming back in the United States and could reach Iowa soon. We have a safe and effective vaccine, but fewer people are getting vaccinated. This has led to outbreaks, like in Texas and New Mexico.

In Iowa, our vaccination rates are too low to stop the virus from spreading. Measles kills about 1-3 of every 1,000 people who get it. One in 20 people will get pneumonia, which often means a hospital stay.



A brain infection from measles can cause permanent injury, blindness and deafness. Also, measles weakens the immune system, making people more likely to get other infections for 2–3 years. For more information see thelancet.

com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(25)00164-1/fulltext One person with measles can spread it to up to 18 people who are not immune. It is more easily transmitted than any other human infection. You might think measles, with its typical rash, is easy to recognize but that’s not true.

People with measles can spread it for four days before the rash shows up. That’s why it’s important to think about measles early. This protects unvaccinated people and those at risk, like babies too young for the vaccine, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems.

Before the rash appears, look for these signs: With more measles outbreaks in the U.S., anyone who isn’t fully vaccinated and has these symptoms should be checked for measles.

Know your vaccine history. If you might have measles or were exposed Prevent the Spread These steps help protect people, especially in schools and workplaces where many are close together. Stopping measles before the rash appears means recognizing the symptoms early.

The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination, which protects for life and keeps communities safe from serious health problems. Dr. Louis Katz Dr.

Katz is board certified in infectious diseases. He is the medical director of the Scott County Health Department and an infectious diseases specialist. The opinions herein are his and may not reflect official positions of the health department.

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