The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on measles vaccinations as cases of the highly contagious disease increase in several states, including Texas and Georgia, in early 2025.

Measles is a serious respiratory illness caused by a virus that spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Unvaccinated individuals have a 90% chance of infection if exposed, and those who contract the disease can spread it for up to three weeks, according to ADPH.

Dr. Karen Landers, ADPH's chief medical officer, emphasized the progression of measles symptoms in a news release, which typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure.

"One of the main messages we want to emphasize is that measles follows a pattern in which the child first develops fever, cough, runny nose and watery/red eyes, then a rash develops," she said. "Persons can start spreading the virus up to four days before symptoms appear, and those with weak immune systems can spread the measles virus longer."

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, though symptoms can be managed with fluids, rest and non-aspirin fever medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In some cases, measles can lead to complications, including ear infections, pneumonia or encephalitis, a serious brain inflammation.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, or the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine, provides protection against the disease. Children typically receive the first dose between 12 and 15 months old and a second between ages 4 and 6. Infants as young as 6 months can receive the vaccine before international travel. Vaccinations are available at pediatricians' offices and county health departments.

ADPH advises parents to contact a doctor immediately if they suspect their child has measles or has been exposed, especially if the child is an infant, has not received two doses of the vaccine, or has a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or treatment.

For more information on measles vaccination, visit www.alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization/measles.html.