When you hear “Measles,” you probably think: “Measles? What is this, the 1800s?” or “Didn’t we get rid of that 25 years ago?” Measles, or rubeola, is a highly contagious disease that causes widespread rash and flu-like symptoms. Prior to 2025, measles hadn’t spread regularly in the U.S. due to vaccination rates and public health efforts.
Dr. Pete Mikkelsen, Chief Medical Officer at Pullman Regional Hospital, states that “potentially serious and long-lasting health conditions can result from a measles infection in an unvaccinated person, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. Children, pregnant individuals, and the immunocompromised are especially at risk.” So, what does this archaic 7th century virus do, how does it spread, and how can you protect yourself?
What does measles look like?
Measles symptoms first show 7 to 14 days after infection, beginning with a high fever, cough, sore throat, and red, watery eyes. Tiny white spots, called Koplik spots, appear inside the mouth 2 to 3 days after symptoms begin, and flat, red spots appear on the face at the hairline 3 to 5 days after initial symptoms. These rashes can form tiny, raised bumps and spread downwards from the face to the neck, chest, arms, legs, and beyond.
How does it spread?
“Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes,” says Dr. Mikkelsen. “And the virus can remain active in the environment for up to two hours. This makes close contact with someone who is infected extremely risky.” According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90% of people in close proximity to the measles virus, who are not immune, will become infected.
How to treat and prevent measles
Since there is no cure for measles, “vaccines are the best way to protect you, your children, and your loved ones from measles,” says Dr. Mikkelsen. “It is safe and effective, and the recommendation of our medical community.”
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles. Dr. Mikkelsen states “the vaccine not only prevents infection but also reduces the risk of severe, long-term complications that this virus can cause.” Not everyone is eligible for the vaccine (notably pregnant and immunocompromised people), so talk to your primary care provider about any symptoms or medical conditions you have to see if a vaccine would be suitable.
If I think I have measles, what do I do?
If you develop any measles symptoms (runny nose, red or watery eyes, cough, fever, or rash), you should isolate yourself from others immediately and contact your primary care provider. Currently, Pullman Regional Primary Care clinics ask that patients with measles-like symptoms call ahead to schedule an appointment. Upon arrival, patients should park in the clinic parking lot and call the office. Clinic staff will meet patients at their vehicle before getting them the care they need. To help prevent the spread of infection, potentially infected patients should avoid the waiting areas in the clinic.
Why isolate? Measles can be spread to others four days before through four days after the rash appears (or longer, if you are immunocompromised). Pullman Regional Hospital Education Coordinator Malisa McCabe indicates that “unvaccinated people exposed to measles should isolate for 21 days to avoid infecting others. If the patient needs to go to a medical facility or hospital, staff should be notified ahead of time about suspected measles or exposure.”
Why does this matter now?
If measles is considered “eliminated” in the U.S., why do we still talk about it?
It’s easy to believe that something so uncommon can’t reach you or your loved ones, but it’s important to know what symptoms to look out for when an outbreak crops up. Everyone plays a vital role in protecting themselves, their family, and their community, and being prepared is the first step to making informed decisions about your health and taking control of your future.
If you think you may have been exposed and have questions, or if you have symptoms that you believe need to be checked, reach out to your primary care provider. If you don't have a primary care provider, now is a great time to establish one. Pullman Family Medicine and Palouse Pediatrics are currently accepting new patients, and an appointment can be made by calling the clinic directly.
For up-to-date information on confirmed cases or exposure in our community, visit the official Whitman County Health page on Measles.