Northern Nevada Public Health Officials Call on Parents to Vaccinate Children as Measles Cases Are Identified Across U.S. and Spring Break Travel Increases Risk
Reno, Nev. (Mar. 14, 2025) – Today, top public health experts and pediatricians across northern Nevada met with area media to call on parents to have their children vaccinated for measles, as cases increase in parts of the United States, and Spring Break travel increases the potential for infection. As of March 2025, 222 measles cases have been reported in 12 US states, with 1 confirmed death and 1 death under investigation. 94% of those cases were among individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. The experts stressed that the most important thing individuals can do to help protect themselves, their families, and their communities from measles is to be sure everyone who can be vaccinated is up to date on their measles vaccination
Immunization is Safe and the Best Protection for You and Your Children
"As a pediatrician, a mom, Chair of Pediatrics for the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Physician-in-Chief for Renown Children’s Hospital, I want to remind everyone that immunization is safe and the best protection for you and your children against measles and other potentially deadly diseases,” said Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP. “We now have confirmation that measles cases are increasing across the country and the world. This is a preventable disease. We must act now to protect our children and community. Measles is a very contagious, serious respiratory disease that causes rash and fever. In some cases, measles can reduce the immune system's ability to fight other infections like pneumonia. I encourage anyone not vaccinated against measles to receive at least one dose of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine and get their children vaccinated with two doses. For those who have vaccinated their children, thank you!"
Protecting Our Community
"Measles vaccination safeguards the entire community, including high-risk groups like pregnant individuals and immunocompromised people,” said Lisa Lottritz, R.N., M.P.H., Division Director of Community and Clinical Health Services, Northern Nevada Public Health. “Pregnant individuals, immunocompromised people, and other high-risk groups may face severe complications from measles, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent outbreaks and protect those who cannot be vaccinated themselves. Northern Nevada Public Health is prepared to respond to measles and offers measles boosters and other vaccinations at their main location in Reno.”
Measles is a Very Contagious Disease, If One Person Has It, 9-10 People May Become Infected if Not Protected
“Measles is a very contagious respiratory disease,” says Mavel Gutierrez, MD, a pediatric infectious disease expert with Renown Children’s. “Some people think of measles as just a rash and fever that clears up in a few days. But measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old. Measles can spread by a person coughing or sneezing into the air. An individual can catch the disease by breathing in the virus or touching an infected surface and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. A person can get measles just by entering a room that an infected person visited up to two hours before. Measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby may become infected if they are not protected.”
Dr. Gutierrez emphasized the high contagion rate of measles and the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent its spread. Dr. Gutierrez described the dramatic presentation of measles symptoms and the ease with which it can spread in closed environments. She highlighted the high efficacy of the MMR vaccine, with one dose providing 93% protection and two doses providing 97% protection.
Dr. Tim Southern, the new director of the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory, stated his team is ready to support healthcare providers with measles testing and specimen Collection. He added that as a dad and a new granddad, that he encourages all who can be vaccinated, to get the MMR vaccine, as the best protection against measles.
Advice for Parents
Dr. Deeter provided advice for parents on what to do if they suspect their child has measles, including calling the child's doctor before going to any urgent care or emergency room.
Pharmacy Vaccine Availability
A question was raised about the availability of the measles vaccine in local pharmacies, and Dr. Deeter explained that Renown Pharmacy carries the MMR vaccine and is open 24/7 at the Renown Regional Medical Center, 75 Pringle location in Reno. Appointments can be made with Renown Pharmacy for measles vaccination for Hometown Health, Senior Care Plus and other in-network insurance plans through MyChart at several locations. For a free MyChart account, click here.
MMR Vaccine is Safe and Not Linked to Autism
Dr. Mavel Gutierrez addressed concerns about the safety of the MMR vaccine, emphasizing that multiple studies have shown it to be extremely safe and debunking false claims of its association with autism.
Spring Break Precautions for Travel
Dr. Deeter provided precautions for families traveling during spring break, including hand washing, carrying hand sanitizer, and wearing masks in crowded areas.
Infant Protection
Dr. Mavel Gutierrez discussed options to protect infants under 12 months of age from measles, including hand washing, breastfeeding, and avoiding crowded situations.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Measles?
The first symptoms of a measles infection are usually a cough, runny nose, fever, and red eyes. Kids also may have Koplik's spots (small red spots with blue-white centers) inside the mouth before the rash starts.
Figure 1: Photo of Koplik's spots on child's palate of mouth due to pre-eruptive spots on Day 3 of measles illness, Photo from CDC.
A rash breaks out 3–5 days after symptoms start, sometimes along with a high fever up to 104°F (40°C). The rash usually begins as flat red spots on the forehead. On darker skin, these spots may be harder to see. The rash then spreads to the rest of the face, then down the neck and torso to the arms, legs, and feet.
Figure 2: Child's cheek shows the characteristic rash associated with measles. Photo from CDC.
Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash occurs. The rash starts as flat red spots on the face at the hairline and spreads to the neck, chest, arms, legs, and feet. Small, raised bumps may also appear on the flat red spots. The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body. Seven to 14 days and up to 21 days after a measles infection, symptoms usually include high fever that may spike to more than 104°, a cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A fever may spike to over 104° Fahrenheit after the rash appears.
If You Suspect Your Child Has Measles, Call Your Pediatrician Before Going to Urgent Care or ED
If you suspect your child has measles, call your child's doctor immediately before going to any urgent care or emergency room; inform them of your concerns and follow their instructions on how to proceed, as it's crucial to prevent spreading the highly contagious virus to others by notifying them beforehand and potentially taking necessary precautions like coming in at a designated time or isolating your child upon arrival. Key points to remember:
- Call first, don't just go: Always contact your doctor or healthcare provider before visiting any healthcare facility if you suspect measles.
- Isolate your child: Keep your child away from other people as much as possible to limit potential spread.
- Provide details about exposure: Inform your doctor if your child has been around someone with confirmed measles.
- Follow doctor's instructions: Your doctor may advise you on the next steps, which could include coming in for evaluation with specific precautions to minimize exposure.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention if your child has a high fever, difficulty breathing, severe headache, confusion or disorientation, and signs of severe dehydration.
Serious complications of measles include hospitalization, pneumonia, brain swelling and death. Long-term serious complications can also include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a brain disease resulting from an earlier measles infection that can lead to permanent brain damage. Measles during pregnancy increases the risk of early labor, miscarriage, and low birth weight infants.
Who, How and Where to Get Vaccinated Against Measles
Getting the measles vaccine is the best way to prevent measles, and it’s easy to schedule an appointment. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which includes two doses, is 97% effective at preventing measles.
You can get a measles vaccination in Reno, Nevada at the Northern Nevada Public Health Immunization Clinic, Renown Pharmacy, or a local pharmacy. You can also check with your healthcare provider, health insurance, or local health department for more information. Uninsured individuals are welcome to make an appointment with Northern Nevada Public Health for low-cost vaccines at their main clinic at 1001 E. 9th St. Building B in Reno. Appointments can be made by calling 775-328-2402.