What You Should Know About Measles

December 20, 2024

Norman Nickel

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread easily from person to person through breathing, coughing, and/or sneezing. Measles symptoms in adults can include fever, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, conjunctivitis, Koplik's spots, and/or blotchy skin rash (also known as the Measles Rash). This disease can cause severe complications which can cause pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), diarrhea, blindness, a greater likelihood of miscarriage or premature labor, and in some cases, death.

By 1912, measles was nationally recognized by the United States, which required healthcare providers and laboratories to report positive cases. 6,000 measle deaths were reported in the first decade of reporting. Approximately 3-4 million Americans were infected each year prior to the introduction of the vaccine in 1963.

Do I need the measles vaccine?

Outbreaks of measles have been increasing in the United States with January through April 2024 seeing the highest number of reported cases compared to the last five years. Roughly 277 measles cases were reported in the first 3 months of 2024. That is more than four times the number of cases last year (59 cases total).

Anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk of contracting measles. Most adults, born before 1957, are considered immune because they likely had measles as a child. Adults, born in 1957 or after, should get the measles vaccine if they weren't vaccinated as a child or haven't had measles prior.

International travelers
- The CDC recommends being fully vaccinated at least 14 days before traveling overseas
Healthcare works
Pregnant Americans
Americans with weakened immune systems put themselves at a higher risk of contracting measles.

Titer testing is recommended to prove your vaccination or recovery status and to ease your mind.

Can you get the measles if you've been vaccinated?

It is possible, but highly unlikely for people who have been vaccinated to contract measles. If exposed to measles, about 3% of people who received two doses of the measles vaccine will still get measles. Experts are unsure why this happens however, fully vaccinated individuals who contracted measles have a milder illness and are less likely to spread the disease to other people.

How long does the measles vaccine last?

Most adults in the United States were vaccinated for measles when they were a child. However, immunity may not last for a person's entire life. For Americans who received just the vaccination, immunity can decline within 10–15 years.

People who are infected and then recover typically develop natural immunity. Natural immunity is the protection your body develops after fighting off an infection. Scientists have suggested that immunity after infection (natural immunity) is life-long.

Do I need a Measles Booster?

If you have received a measles vaccination, either by itself or as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, it is possible that your immunity may wane over time. To avoid receiving unnecessary vaccinations, it is a good idea to check your immunity status prior to getting a measles booster shot. Fortunately, a measles titer blood test is an easy way to see what your immune status is.

What is a Measles Titer

Titer testing screens for antibodies (IgG) to determine a person’s immune status to certain illnesses. These blood tests are often required for school, travel, and in certain professions. Results are provided as a numerical value for the antibody level which can be compared to a reference interval to determine immune status. Once you have been vaccinated, it typically takes 2-3 weeks for antibodies to reach the level where you will be fully protected.

What does a Positive Measles IgG mean?

So, you’ve received your titer test results back from the lab and you want to know what a positive measles IgG test result means for you.

A positive measles IgG test usually indicates you have been exposed (recently or in the past) to the measles virus or vaccinated against it in the past (or recently). These people are more than likely immune to measles. Please consult a medical professional to verify your medical results.

Where can I get a Measles Titer Test?

Request A Test offers titer testing for measles by itself and as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) titer test. We also offer a variety of other titer tests to screen for immunity to other infectious diseases. Our affordable and convenient lab testing service lets you choose the test and get it done at a lab in your area. We work with 2 of the largest lab companies in the US with over 7,000 locations. Don’t worry about getting a doctor’s order or contacting your insurance provider. Just place your order and we’ll take care of the rest. In addition to Measles titer testing, we offer hundreds of other testing options. Taking care of your health doesn’t have to be inconvenient and expensive. Request A Test makes lab testing quick, easy, and affordable. To start an order, visit us online or call our team at 888-732-2348.

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