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CHICAGO, IL – A growing measles outbreak in West Texas and along the New Mexico border is raising serious concerns among public health officials, with a Northwestern University infectious disease expert warning that the highly contagious virus is likely to spread further due to low vaccination rates.
Dr. Tina Tan, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, emphasized the severity of measles in a recent discussion with Northwestern Now. “The most important thing that people need to understand is that measles is a viral disease that is very contagious,” she stated. “The vaccine is our best tool to protect individuals against measles.”
Dr. Tan highlighted the alarming contagiousness of measles, noting its R0 (basic reproduction number) ranges from 11 to 18. This means a single infected person can potentially infect up to 18 susceptible individuals. Within a household, the transmission rate can reach as high as 90% among unvaccinated members.
Misinformation about measles treatments is also a concern. Dr. Tan debunked claims that antibiotics like clarithromycin or supplements like cod liver oil are effective. “Clarithromycin is an antibiotic, and antibiotics do not work against viruses,” she clarified. “There are no antivirals that are licensed for treatments against measles. And as for cod liver oil, there’s absolutely no indication at all that cod liver oil has any effect on measles.”
While vitamin A supplementation can help reduce the severity of measles in malnourished individuals, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, it is not a treatment for the virus itself. In the U.S., vitamin A may be administered to hospitalized measles patients to aid recovery, but only in specific, age-dependent doses.
Dr. Tan stressed that measles is far from a benign illness. “What most people don’t understand is that measles is not just a rash,” she explained. “It starts with fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis, followed by the development of the rash. Measles has a lot of other complications that can be associated with it. You can get ear infections, pneumonia, croup, diarrhea, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) that often results in permanent brain damage. It is not a benign disease. People with measles can get very, very ill. They can lose their hearing or go blind.”
The recommended childhood immunization schedule for measles involves two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second between 4 and 6 years old. Individuals born after 1957 who received two appropriately spaced vaccines are considered protected for life.
For unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles, vaccination within 72 hours can provide protection. Those who cannot receive the vaccine, such as infants under 12 months, immunocompromised individuals, or pregnant women, can receive immunoglobulin within six days of exposure.
Dr. Tan also expressed concerns about waning herd immunity, which is crucial for protecting vulnerable populations. “With measles, you need 95% herd immunity rate to protect these people,” she warned.
The expert urged the public to prioritize vaccination to prevent the further spread of measles and protect those at highest risk.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided by Northwestern University and Dr. Tina Tan. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for any1 health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
