Medical Minute: What to know about measles and how to stay safe amid rising U.S. cases

The number of measles cases is rising in the U.S., including a recent handful of cases confirmed in the Chicago area. In fact, measles has been confirmed in at least 17 states. While there is currently no reason for alarm in our communities, it is important to protect yourself and your family against the highly-contagious disease.

Dr. Shanna Kautzmann, Beacon Medical Group Main Street Pediatrics, offers information about measles – what it is, symptoms to watch for and how to best protect yourself against measles, in our latest Medical Minute. The MMR vaccine that includes protection against measles is given to children at age 1 and 4. “The first dose is 93 percent effective and the second dose is 97 percent effective against measles, so if you’ve gotten two doses you’re anticipated to have lifelong protection,” Dr. Kautzmann said. Hear more in our Medical Minute video below.