HJAR May/Jun 2025

32 MAY / JUN 2025 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS ADH CORNER COLUMN ADH CORNER THE United States has seen a rise in measles cases in recent years, with 2025 marking a concerning number of cases. As of late March, Texas alone had reported 400 cases, and the illness continues to spread. Healthcare pro- fessionals must remain vigilant, recognizing symptoms, testing when appropriate, and educating patients about vaccination. Measles, also known as rubeola, is one of the most contagious viruses. It spreads through the air and can linger for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. If 10 unvaccinated people are in a room MEASLES IN 2025: Understanding the Risks when an infected person enters, on average nine of them will develop measles. Anyone who is not immune tomeasles can develop a measles infection. Symptoms appear in stages, typically sev- en to 14 days after exposure: • Early symptoms: High fever, cough, run- ny nose, and red, watery eyes. • Two to three days later: Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth. • Three to five days later: A red, blotchy rash begins on the face and spreads across the body, lasting four to seven days. Fever may spike above 104 de- grees Fahrenheit during this stage. Common complications are ear infections (one in 10 children) and diarrhea (less than one in 10 people). People most likely to suffer from complications are: • Children younger than 5 years of age. • Adults older than 20 years of age. • Pregnant women. • People with weakened immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection. About one in five unvaccinated people