Measles cases are rising again in the United States, with over 500 confirmed infections reported so far in 2026, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nine of these cases have occurred in Florida. Last year, more than 2,200 cases were recorded nationwide.
Shalika Katugaha, MD, system director of Infectious Diseases at Baptist Health, addressed common questions about measles amid growing concern among parents and on social media.
Measles is a viral illness known for its high level of contagion. It was declared eradicated from the U.S. in 2000 but has reappeared in recent years. Typical symptoms include fever, malaise, runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and a rash that usually begins on the face and chest before spreading further.
“Measles can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis [swelling of the brain],” Dr. Katugaha said. “The virus spreads through the air. It’s so contagious that if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people nearby will become infected.”
Dr. Katugaha explained that outbreaks abroad—particularly in regions visited by Americans—have contributed to the disease’s return domestically. Travelers may bring measles back to areas where vaccination rates have dropped. This can lead to outbreaks within communities with low immunization coverage. Infants too young for vaccination and those unable to receive it for medical reasons remain especially vulnerable.
“Measles vaccination rates in the United States have dropped in recent years, in part because of how effectively we have vaccinated against the disease in the past,” explained Dr. Katugaha. “Because of the low immunization rates, there is a real concern that measles cases will spread.”
To protect children from measles, Dr. Katugaha recommends following CDC guidelines for immunization: children should receive their first dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine after their first birthday and a second dose between ages four and six.
“As a mother, I know every parent wants to make the best and right decision for their child,” said Dr. Katugaha. “The MMR vaccine protects against measles and has been extensively studied and proven safe.”
Parents are advised to ensure all caregivers and family members who interact with babies under one year old are vaccinated themselves since infants are not yet eligible for routine MMR vaccination until after their first birthday. For infants aged six months to one year during an outbreak period or when traveling internationally, early vaccination may be considered after consulting with a pediatrician; however, this early dose does not replace those scheduled later as part of standard immunization.
“If your child isn’t eligible for the measles vaccine because they’re too young or for other medical reasons determined by your child’s pediatrician, and your child is exposed to someone who may have measles, immediately call your child’s doctor,” said Dr. Katugaha.
Adults generally retain immunity if they received two doses of live vaccine as children or were born before 1957 due to likely natural exposure prior to widespread immunization efforts.
If there is uncertainty about immunity status against measles or other components covered by MMR vaccination (mumps or rubella), primary care physicians can order blood tests to check immune protection levels.
For additional information or specific concerns regarding vaccines or exposure risk, families are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers or schedule appointments online.
