What Alabamians can do to prevent + slow spread of measles
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With just two months gone in 2026, there have been over 1100 cases of the measles reported across the country.
That’s almost half the total of cases reported during the entirety of 2025.
And while there has just been one Alabama case reported since the start of last year, health officials are still warning people to take precautions to make sure our state remains at the lower end of that count.
“The most important thing that families can do is know your immunity status. The measles vaccine is safe and effective-two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles. However, not everyone can take the vaccine (if you are less than 1 year of age or immunocompromised). If you have a loved one who is immunocompromised, vaccinating yourself is the best way to protect them from getting sick. As we get close to spring break and you are traveling, check to see if an outbreak of measles is occurring.”
Rachael Lee, M.D., University of Alabama at Birmingham chief health care epidemiologist
What is the measles virus?
Measles is considered a serious viral respiratory illness that lives in the nose and throat mucus of infected people.
The Alabama Department of Public Health says a single case of measles will infect up to 95% of unvaccinated people who are exposed and could result in as many as 18 additional cases.
“The measles virus is spread through the air in very small droplets that are made when we breath and cough. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after a person with the infection leaves a room. The measles virus causes multiple symptoms including high fevers, cough, runny nose, and rash, and measles can result in very severe illness.”
Dr. Wesley Willeford, Jefferson County Deputy Health Officer
The CDC has reported 5% of measles cases this year have required hospitalization. 92% of all measles cases reportedly had a vaccination status of unknown or unvaccinated.
Here are some other key numbers surrounding the virus, according to the Jefferson County Department of Health:
- 1 in 5 people who have not been vaccinated against measles will be hospitalized because of the infection
- 1 out of 20 children who have not been vaccinated can experience severe pneumonia
- 1 out of 1,000 children who have not been vaccinated will develop swelling and inflammation of the brain which can lead to seizures and permanent loss of hearing
- Almost 2 out of 1,000 children who have not been vaccinated and become infected with measles will die from the infection
People at risk for getting measles are those who may not have antibodies and includes:
- Those who have not received the two doses of the MMR (Measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
Getting vaccinated
Health officials agree that vaccination is the best way to protect children and prevent the spread of the measles. It’s given in two does with the first dose often given between the age of 12-15 months and the second dose between ages 4-6.
“While the measles vaccine does not provide 100% protection, it does provide impressively powerful protection against measles , and the vaccine greatly reduces the chances of severe complications such as hospitalization and death. The measles vaccine provides the best available protection against the measles virus. We would recommend that parents speak with their pediatricians regarding the measles vaccine if a child has not yet received the vaccine.”
Dr. Wesley Willeford, Jefferson County Deputy Health Officer
Officials are pointing to the current outbreak in South Carolina with nearly 1000 cases of measles in the state. 919 of the 985 confirmed cases were people who had not received the vaccine.
Alabama has yet to document a case in 2026 but officials say preparations are being made for a potential outbreak. UAB said it has a process in place to identify any possible patients who may need testing.
The CDC says Alabama’s vaccination rate remains above 95%, only one of two states in the southeast to reach that mark.
You can find more information about outbreaks across the country on the CDC website.
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