Measles is back: What parents need to know to protect their kids

Measles outbreaks are on the rise due to declining vaccination rates.

Measles is back – and for parents, that’s reason for concern. A growing measles outbreak in South Carolina highlights a troubling trend: A virus once nearly eliminated in the U.S. is resurging as vaccination rates decline.

Measles spreads easily and can cause serious complications, especially in young children. According to pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Evelyn Pangonis, these outbreaks are both preventable and worrisome.

“I’m very concerned that we’re still having outbreaks in 2026, despite having a vaccine that is very safe and very effective,” she said.

Why measles outbreaks are increasing in the U.S.

When fewer people are vaccinated, measles can spread quickly – especially in communities with large numbers of unvaccinated children.

“A single child can spread measles to 90% of unvaccinated, exposed people,” said Dr. Pangonis. “To put that into context, if they expose 20 children, 18 of the children would develop measles.”

Because of how contagious measles is, even small drops in vaccination coverage can lead to major outbreaks.

Dr. Evelyn Pangonis, pediatric infectious disease specialist and medical director of Infection Control and Prevention.

How parents can protect their children from measles

The measles vaccine is an effective tool to protect children.

• The first dose is typically given at 12 months of age
• 1 dose is 93% effective
• 2 doses are 97% effective

Even in rare cases where a vaccinated child develops measles, the illness is usually much milder.

“Patients who are vaccinated and get breakthrough measles are much less sick and much less contagious,” said Dr. Pangonis. “The best way to prevent measles is by getting vaccinated.”

Dr. Pangonis said avoiding people with fever and/or a rash can help, but measles can be difficult to identify early on.

“It’s difficult to know who has measles and who doesn’t,” she said.

Babies under 1 year are especially vulnerable to measles. Measles can also weaken the immune system long after the infection is over, increasing the risk of other serious infections for months or even years.

Infants under 12 months are especially vulnerable. If your child has been exposed to someone with measles, contact your doctor to determine if they are old enough to receive a dose of the vaccine to help prevent them from getting measles.

Why measles isn’t a mild childhood illness

Some parents mistakenly believe measles is harmless. In truth, it can cause serious, and sometimes fatal, complications.

•  1 in 500 children infected with measles will die
•  1 in 20 develops pneumonia
•  1 in 1,000 develops encephalitis (brain inflammation)
•  1 in 10,000 develops a rare, fatal brain condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)

Measles can also weaken the immune system long after the infection is over, increasing the risk of other serious infections for months or even years. Children who are malnourished or immunocompromised are at especially high risk for severe disease.

One of the best ways to protect your children from measles is to vaccinate. The first dose is typically given at 12 months of age.

Common myths about the measles vaccine

One persistent myth is that natural infection is safer than vaccination.

“The claim that the vaccine is worse than natural infection isn’t true. The vaccine is very safe and very effective,” said Dr. Pangonis. “We know that natural infection can have real-life consequences, including death.”

Vaccine side effects can occur, but they are rare and typically mild when compared to the risks of measles itself.

Another common concern is autism.

“We know beyond of a shadow of the doubt that the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) doesn’t cause autism as demonstrated by numerous studies on multiple continents,” she said.

What parents can do now

Dr. Pangonis offers the same advice to parents concerned about outbreaks and to those who are undecided about vaccination.

“Please consider vaccinating your kids if they’re able to be vaccinated,” she said. “I have 3 children of my own. All 3 of them have received these vaccines as well as the other recommended vaccines.

“This is a real threat to children, especially those who are immunocompromised,” she added. “Don’t take the risk.”

If you have questions about measles, vaccines or your child’s risk, talk with your child’s pediatrician. They can help you understand the recommended vaccine schedule and make the best decision for your family.