Measles is a disease that has been spreading rapidly through Northern South Carolina. This disease has hospitalized many people, including young kids all the way up to adults. As of right now, there are 1,912 cases of measles in 2025. There have only been three deaths from measles, including two young girls. “Approximately 11% to 12% of measles cases require hospitalization.”

There are many symptoms of measles, including headache, fever over 104 degrees, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, tiny white spots inside mouth, and a rash. The rash starts at the top of the head, then travels down to the neck and the rest of the body. The rash also causes itching and makes the skin very dry. 

The vaccine is known to be very reliable and effective. It protects other viruses, as well, and is long-term effective for 97% of people who get it. Normally, it is given to young children between 4-6 years old or even as young as 12-15 months old. Doses vary, but if you’re an adult looking to get the vaccine, two doses are needed. Pregnant women are not able to get this vaccine. 

The vaccine’s symptoms are usually mild, only lasting a couple of days. A rash, joint pains, or even swollen glands are popular symptoms. There are other rare symptoms that usually don’t happen but can, like seizures, low platelets, and even allergic reactions. If any of these happen, you need to seek medical attention immediately before it gets worse. The side effects of the vaccine are less severe than the actual virus and are only temporary.  

There is a vaccination that doctors are suggesting people get because it will decrease the amount of people catching it or at least slow how rapidly it is spreading. Doctors say, “The lack of a clear source of infection suggests the unidentified measles cases may be occurring in or traveling.” In 2024, globally, there were around 95,000 deaths. This disease overall is very bad and deadly, so everyone should get vaccinated against it to protect yourself and the people around you.