MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA
WHAT IS MMR?
MMR is the abbreviation for the vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
Amarillo Public Health offers MMR immunizations. Learn more.
Measles
Prior to 1963, an estimated 3 to 4 million people got measles each year in the United States.
Exposure
Measles is very contagious and can spread through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes.
While the MMR vaccine has reduced cases in the United States, measles is still widespread in other countries.
People who are not vaccinated and travel internationally continue to bring measles back into the country and spread it.
Symptoms
Measles is a disease caused by a virus.
It causes a cough, runny nose, red eyes, fever, and tiny, red spots that start at the head and spread to the rest of the body.
It can cause hospitalization, brain swelling, and death.
Prevention
All children should be vaccinated against measles through the MMR vaccine.
The MMR vaccine is a two-dose series that is generally complete by the time a child is 6 years old.
It is important for teens and adults to stay up to date on their MMR vaccination, as well.
Mumps
Mumps outbreaks still occur and typically happen when people are in close contact for long periods of time, like dorm settings and others.
Exposure
Mumps spreads through direct contact with saliva or droplets from sneezing, coughing or even just talking.
It can also spread by sharing drinks or other items that may have saliva on them, or kissing, sports, and other close-contact activities.
Symptoms
While most people with mumps recover in a few weeks, it can become more serious.
Symptoms include:
Swollen salivary glands
Puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw
Tired, achy feeling
Fever
Swelling of the testicles or ovaries
More serious symptoms include brain swelling, meningitis, and hearing loss.
Prevention
All children should be vaccinated against mumps through the MMR vaccine.
The MMR vaccine is a two-dose series that is generally complete by the time a child is 6 years old.
It is important for teens and adults to stay up to date on their MMR vaccination, as well.
Rubella
Rubella was once a common disease that primarily affected young children. It has been eliminated from the United States since 2004 because of vaccination programs.
Exposure
Rubella is a virus that spreads through coughing and sneezing by infected people.
Pregnant women who have rubella can pass the infection to their baby.
Up to 50% of people will be contagious without any of their own symptoms.
People who are not vaccinated and travel internationally continue to rubella back into the country and spread it.
Symptoms
Rubella can cause mild illness in most people.
Fever
Sore throat and headache
Rash that begins on the face and spreads
Pink eye
If a person contracts rubella while pregnant, it can cause miscarriage or serious birth defects.
Prevention
All children should be vaccinated against rubella through the MMR vaccine.
The MMR vaccine is a two-dose series that is generally complete by the time a child is 6 years old.
It is important for teens and adults to stay up to date on their MMR vaccination, as well.
Who else should get vaccinated?
While all children should receive the MMR vaccine, you should also be sure you are protected if you fall into these categories:
College students: Many colleges will require proof of immunity.
International travelers: Anyone who is traveling internationally should have immunity prior to travel. This includes infants 6 to 11 months old.
Healthcare workers: If you work in a healthcare setting, it is important to have immunity.