Measles is making a concerning comeback in the United States, with health officials urging vigilance as vaccination rates decline in key areas like Kentucky. Once nearly eradicated thanks to widespread immunization, this highly contagious disease is now circulating again, posing serious risks especially to vulnerable groups such as infants and young children.
In Utah, where recent awareness campaigns have been launched, medical experts emphasize that measles is far from a mild rash. Dr. Tamara Sheffield, medical director for immunization programs at Intermountain Health, stresses the importance of vaccination. “We know that the measles vaccine is very effective in preventing the disease, and we know that it is very safe,” she said. “Your health care provider or pediatrician are here to help. We are happy to talk with parents about their concerns or questions about the vaccine, and ultimately provide them with good information so they can make the best decisions for their child.”
Measles spreads easily through coughs and sneezes, and the virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Alarmingly, it infects 90 percent of people not immunized who are exposed to it. Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A red, blotchy rash usually follows after three to four days, beginning on the hairline and face before spreading downward.
One of the most troubling aspects of measles is its contagiousness. Infected individuals can spread the virus to others for four days before and after the rash appears, often without realizing they have the disease. About one in five people who contract measles require hospitalization, with severe complications including pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), permanent brain damage, or even death.
Those most at risk include infants, children under five, pregnant women, adults over 20, and people with weakened immune systems due to illnesses like cancer, HIV, or certain medications. The best defense remains the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is administered in two doses according to CDC guidelines — the first between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second between four and six years old.
However, vaccination rates are slipping in some states. Kentucky, for example, has seen its kindergarten MMR vaccination rate drop to 86.9 percent for the 2024-2025 school year, about six percent below the national average. This is a significant decline from 93 percent in the 2019-2020 school year. Kentucky has already confirmed seven measles cases in 2025, signaling a troubling trend.
Health officials attribute this decline to multiple factors, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, explained, “The decreasing vaccination rate is a cause for concern. The pandemic kept people at home, and many may have missed regular doctor’s appointments for vaccinations.”
Stack also noted a nationwide increase in vaccine hesitancy. “It's still a small part of a whole, but as it's increasing, it's increasing the risk for disease transmission.”
Dr. Mark Burns, associate professor of medicine at the University of Louisville’s Division of Infectious Diseases, echoed these concerns. “Measles is highly, highly contagious,” he said emphatically. “It's probably one of the most contagious diseases.” Burns explained that airborne transmission is the primary mode of spread, though contact with contaminated surfaces can also cause infection.
Vaccination remains highly protective: those fully vaccinated are 97 percent less likely to contract measles, and even one dose offers up to 93 percent protection. But Burns warned that the public’s awareness of the vaccine’s importance has waned. “I don't think the importance of the measles vaccine has been stressed as it has in the past,” he said. “We're seeing more vaccine skeptics now than ever before in my career.”
For many parents, the question remains: “Do I really need these vaccines?” According to Burns, the answer is an unequivocal yes. “That's the reason why these illnesses, such as measles, such as polio, up to this point have been either nonexistent or very minimized.”
Dr. Julia Richerson, a pediatrician with three decades of experience, highlighted structural issues in the healthcare system that contribute to lower vaccination rates. “The most concerning part about the measles cases in Kentucky, we worry about the children who are unable to get immunized,” she said. “Parents aren't to blame; there are significant gaps in vaccine access.”
She pointed to challenges such as inconvenient office hours, lack of reliable transportation, and the cost of vaccines. Schools play a role too, often setting immunization requirements but allowing opt-out exemptions for reasons like religion. “The schools play an important role in vaccine administration, they shouldn't have to,” Richerson remarked. She suggested that a more robust public health and primary care system could relieve schools of this responsibility and improve vaccine access.
Both Burns and Richerson emphasized the deadly nature of measles when not prevented. “We're just so lucky that for decades we have not had outbreaks of so many different deadly infections,” Richerson said. “But then, that makes us forget about how important immunizations are.”
For those concerned about exposure or symptoms, experts recommend immediate action. Utah health officials advise using Telehealth or virtual appointments to reduce transmission risk, or calling ahead before visiting clinics or hospitals to allow proper infection control measures. Dr. Sheffield stressed, “It is important that you do not visit an emergency room, lab, physician’s office or medical clinic without first calling the facility and telling them about your possible exposure to measles.”
As measles re-emerges, the message from health professionals is clear: vaccination saves lives. The success of vaccines has brought us close to eradicating this ancient scourge, but complacency and access barriers threaten to undo decades of progress. Staying current on immunizations, understanding the risks, and seeking timely medical advice remain our best tools to protect individuals and communities from this dangerous disease.
