As measles continues to spread in areas around the nation, let's brush up on the basics of this disease.

What is measles?

Someone infected with the measles usually has symptoms like a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. It can cause serious health complications, like pneumonia and encephalitis (brain infection), especially in young children.

Measles is an airborne and extremely infectious illness that can spread easily when someone coughs or sneezes. The germs can even hang around for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

See real images of the measles skin rash here. Viewing discretion is advised.

How common is the measles?

In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the United States. However, it still exists in other areas of the world and can brought back to the U.S. by travelers.

Small numbers of measles cases are reported each year. In Clay County, three cases were reported in 2018 and two cases in 2024.

Before 2025, there had not been a death from measles in the U.S. since 2015.

How can I protect myself from measles?

The best form of protection is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

According to CDC, "When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated, most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity)." However, as of 2023, Clay County's kindergarten vaccination rate was 91.45% ^[source]. 

Clay County Public Health Center provides the MMR vaccine. To learn more about who needs the MMR vaccine and when, check out this helpful infographic. You can also call 816-595-4355 for additional guidance and to make an appointment.

What about Vitamin A? Well, it does not prevent measles. Someone who has been hospitalized with measles may be given vitamin A under the supervision of a doctor to reduce the seriousness of their illness. However, high doses of vitamin A can be dangerous. Do not take supplements without the guidance of a healthcare provider, as most people in the United States are not vitamin A deficient.

Clay County Public Health Center kept busy in 2024! In our recently published annual report, you'll find stories and info about:

STI Awareness Week will be April 13-19 this year. In recognition of this week, learn how to to have a "Safer Sex Game Plan" so that you’re prepared to prevent sexually transmitted infections before you play.

Some of the ways to prepare for safer sex include:

We want to congratulate Liberty Community Center on being the most recent Clay County organization to be recognized as a "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" location. They have taken a pledge through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to create a welcoming environment for breastfeeding mothers.

Missouri law already states "[a] mother may, with discretion, breastfeed her child in any public or private location where the mother is otherwise authorized to be.” However, this pledge and the window decal businesses receive is a public show of support for breastfeeding mothers. Families can walk into these businesses and expect a high level of support from staff.

Breastfeeding is recognized as having a significant impact on infant health and growth over the course of a baby’s life, providing all necessary nutrition through 6 months, antibodies to build strong immune systems, protection against some long- and short-term diseases, lowering the risk of asthma, obesity, type-1 diabetes and SIDS. Not only that, breastfeeding also can reduce a mom’s risk of ovarian & breast cancer, type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Clay County Public Health Center is now accepting applications for the following positions. Click here to learn more!

800 Haines Drive, Liberty, MO 64068

clayhealth.com | 816-595-4200

Through service, partnership, and leadership we deliver the essential public health services of prevention, promotion, and protection to improve the health and well-being of all communities in Clay County.

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