Measles | Health Trend in Early Childhood – May 2025

April 25, 2025

Health Trends in Early Childhood

Trend

A resurgence in global measles has increased the risk for measles outbreaks in the U.S.
Measles is the most highly contagious preventable disease: Rash Information | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Outbreak-related cases have been reported in 12 states, including Pennsylvania
CDC map: “Reported number of confirmed* measles cases, by state (N=800) – U.S., Jan. 1-Apr. 17, 2025.

Explanation

As of April 17, 2025, 800 cases have been reported in the U.S.
- 180% increase over the 285 measles cases in the U.S. during all of 2024;
- 771 (96%) people were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status
- 2 deaths have been confirmed in unvaccinated school-aged children with no known underlying medical conditions; 1 death was confirmed in an unvaccinated adult;
Susceptible people can be infected simply by breathing the same air as someone who is infected —even as long as two hours after that infected person has left the area.
- 5 Things You Need to Know About Measles In 30 Seconds
Paul Offit from Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia’s Vaccine Education Center shares 3 lessons learned from the current measles outbreak: youtu.be/NXheE1sPXOM?si=CWh1NbGL2sWVStpf
- 1st, the number of cases is actually much higher than the number being reported.
- 2nd, low preexisting vaccination rates and continued vaccine refusals are providing fuel for the continued spread of measles.
- 3rd, the unproven and unmonitored use of vitamin A is causing children to become ill from receipt of too much of this vitamin.

Impact

Measles can be dangerous, especially for infants, young children, pregnant women, and unvaccinated people.
Children and caregivers/staff may miss childcare or school for long periods of time when sick with the measles, resulting in significant disruptions in work schedules and the possibility of severe complications leading to hospitalizations and even death.
If exposed to measles, unvaccinated children and unvaccinated caregivers/staff may need to be excluded from childcare or school settings for up to 21 days each time they are near someone who has measles MEASLES: INFORMATION TO PREVENT SPREAD IN SCHOOL AND CHILD CARE SETTINGS

Action

Share this handout with parents: Measles Fact Sheet for Parents (PA Department of Health)
Share this handout with caregivers/staff: MEASLES: INFORMATION TO PREVENT SPREAD IN SCHOOL AND CHILD CARE SETTINGS (PA Department of Health)
Share credible information about the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination with parents and caregivers/staff: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Safety | Vaccine Safety | CDC
- Fact Checked: The Measles Vaccine is Safe and Effective
- The MMR vaccine is administered in two doses, with the first dose recommended at 12–15 months of age and the second at 4–6 years. Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles, providing long-term immunity.
- Measles vaccine is available from
  - Many doctor’s offices
  - Urgent Care Centers (call to confirm)
  - Local pharmacies (check with locations based on child’s age)
  - Federally funded health centers: Find a Health Center
  - Local health department or PA Department of Health state health center: State Health Centers | Department of Health | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Be informed and know the facts: Measles vaccination: Know the facts
  - Inhaled corticosteroids do not treat or cure measles.
  - Clarithromycin, which is an antibiotic, cannot treat measles.
  - Vitamin A does not cure measles.
  - The MMR vaccine does not cause autism: Fact Checked: Vaccines: Safe and Effective, No Link to Autism
  - The spread of measles cannot be controlled with proper sanitation alone.
  - Getting the vaccine is much safer than getting measles.

Measles - Credible Resources

PA Dept of Health: Measles – What You Need to Know
- Measles | Department of Health | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Safety | Vaccine Safety | CDC
- Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Measles Update – United States, January 1-April 17, 2025. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2025: 74:232-238. Measles Update — United States, January 1–April 17, 2025 | MMWR
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Fact Checked – Fact checked articles set the record straight on measles, vaccines, more…
- Fact Checked
HealthyChildren.org (AAP):
- Measles: What Parents Need to Know – HealthyChildren.org

HeadStart.gov (Office of Head Start): Measles | HeadStart.gov
Additional Trusted Sources of Vaccine Information

Health Trends in Early Childhood

Measles | May 2025

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About Child Trends in Early Childhood

Welcome to Health Trends in Early Childhood, the monthly release from The Pennsylvania Key, focused on trending health issues related to children birth to age five and their families and caregivers.

Each month, find information about a recent health trend, learn why it is important, discover the impact it has on children, their families and caregivers, and the community, as well as actions we all can take to ensure the health and well-being of children in our communities. Also, find reliable resources to learn more about the issue.

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Disclaimer: This is the most updated information at release time. The information in Health Trends is not a Pennsylvania regulatory requirement for early childhood providers. Pennsylvania early childhood providers with regulatory requirements should contact their Cert rep or the Bureau of Certification.