Measles Returns: A Worrying Trend

QUINCY — Once declared eradicated in the U.S. over 25 years ago, measles—a highly contagious virus—is making a troubling comeback. With cases now spreading alarmingly close to Adams and Marion County (Mo.), public health officials are sounding the alarm.

In January, a significant cluster of measles cases emerged in a largely unvaccinated Mennonite community in West Texas. By February, cases skyrocketed past 100, leading to 18 hospitalizations and the tragic first death of an unvaccinated child. The outbreak has since extended its reach to New Mexico and several other states.

A Growing Crisis

April witnessed the first reports of cases in Illinois and Missouri, bringing the alarmingly current figures to eight and two respectively. By mid-May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 1,024 cases in 2025—an alarming increase compared to the entire previous year—with nearly 96% of those affected being unvaccinated.

The Dangers of Measles: Not Just a Mild Illness

The measles virus is notorious for its extreme contagion rate, infecting an estimated 9 out of 10 susceptible individuals. It can linger in the air for up to two hours, making incidents of infectious exposure exceedingly risky.

Symptoms typically manifest within one to three weeks of exposure, starting with a high fever, runny nose, and a cough. The maculopapular rash that follows can leave individuals contagious for days, posing a severe threat to the unvaccinated.

One in five measles cases leads to hospitalization, with some being fatal. Complications are particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including infants and those with weakened immune systems.

Can Our Healthcare System Manage an Outbreak?

Notably, there hasn't been a confirmed measles case in Adams County since the early 1990s. Healthcare professionals stress the importance of preparation for potential outbreaks. While facilities such as Blessing Health System claim readiness, the strain on resources during recent viral outbreaks raises concerns about their capacity to manage a resurgence in measles cases.

Vaccination is Key to Prevention

With the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine showing 97% effectiveness when administered in two doses, vaccination remains the most powerful tool to combat measles outbreaks. The historical success of the MMR vaccine has been pivotal in eradicating diseases that once claimed thousands of lives annually.

The Fight Against Vaccine Hesitancy

Vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation, continues to pose a significant threat to community health. Misleading claims regarding the MMR vaccine—such as associations with autism—have been thoroughly debunked by numerous studies. Despite this, skepticism remains a barrier to widespread vaccination.

A Cautionary Outlook

Immunization rates are slipping, with areas in Illinois and Missouri reporting significantly lower than the recommended 95% coverage necessary to prevent outbreaks. This downturn raises the risk of contagion, especially as the virus continues to spread in unvaccinated communities.

While experts believe the chances of a widespread outbreak remain currently low, the ongoing situation is a wake-up call. It highlights the critical need for community dialogue surrounding vaccination and the protection of public health.

Time to Talk to Your Doctor

If you have concerns about vaccinations, consult a trusted healthcare provider. Informative discussions can help dispel myths and reinforce the importance of protecting our communities from outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles.