What to know about Measles in Missouri

With measles outbreaks already more than three times the number of cases nationally in all of 2024, public health officials in Missouri say there are things that people need to know. 

How contagious is measles?

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, one person with measles can easily pass it on to nine out of 10 people who are unvaccinated or do not have immunity.

It spreads through the air when a person with measles coughs or sneezes, and the virus can live in the air for up to two hours.

It is also very dangerous, especially for children under five years old and people with compromised immune systems.

Public health officials in and outside of Missouri are seeing cases and exposures occur due to both domestic and international travel.

It is reported that vaccination offers the best protection against measles.