Measles In Shelby County: Should You Be Worried?

Measles is arguably one of the most contagious respiratory illnesses, and the Shelby County Department of Health has confirmed three cases in Memphis to date. Should you be worried? Chances are, if you’ve had the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) per the recommended schedule, you can breathe a sigh of relief. You’ve got lifelong immunity. But for some members of the population—those who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, or who might have gotten the MMR vaccine in the mid-60s—you might want to consider a booster or a titer to be sure you’re in the clear. 

Regardless of your vaccination status, we’re here to discuss those cases today, so you can feel more confident about the recent measles outbreak in Shelby County. Here’s hoping this goes viral. (Get it?)

 

What Exactly Is Measles & Why Is It “Back?”

You’re not wrong for asking the question. Most of us haven’t seen a case of the measles crop up since before it was considered “eliminated” in the U.S. in the year 2000. So why are we seeing it now? 

Well, it’s important to understand that “eliminated” isn’t the same as “eradicated.” A disease is considered eliminated when there is no ongoing, continuous transmission within that area (within the U.S., for example). For a disease to be eradicated, we’d have to wipe it out so well that there are zero cases in any human population worldwide, like we did with smallpox. 

Because the measles does still exist in other countries, there is always the possibility of an infected person, likely an international traveler, reintroducing the disease to a vulnerable, unvaccinated population in the U.S. That’s what’s happening in 2025. 

In fact, we’re already seeing double the measles cases this year compared to last year, which is why the country is paying more attention to this disease now. 

Measles Symptoms

If you’ve been infected with measles, you’ll develop symptoms within a week or two of exposure. Measles typically progresses through a series of distinct symptoms. Here’s a general timeline:

1: Early, Non-Specific Symptoms (Prodromal Phase)

• Fever (often high)
• Cough
• Runny nose (coryza)
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

2: Koplik’s Spots

• Small, white spots that sometimes appear inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek.
• They’re a hallmark clue, but not always noticed or present.

3: Rash

• A few days after the first symptoms, a red or reddish-brown rash typically begins on the face at the hairline and spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
• The rash doesn’t typically itch, and usually lasts about 5–6 days and then fades in the same order it appeared.

If you suspect measles in yourself or someone you know, especially if there’s a recent history of travel or exposure, contact a healthcare provider promptly. The disease is highly contagious, so rapid evaluation and isolation are important.

 

How the Measles Vaccine Works

The measles vaccine is one of the most reliable tools we have in modern medicine. Just one dose provides about 93% protection, and after the second dose, that protection jumps to roughly 97%. Even better, for most people, that’s protection that lasts a lifetime—no yearly shots required. Unlike some vaccines that need regular updates because the virus changes (like the flu), the measles virus has remained stable, which makes the vaccine consistently effective year after year.

Here’s how it works: the MMR vaccine contains a weakened form of the measles virus. It’s not strong enough to make you sick, but it’s just enough to teach your immune system what the real thing looks like. Your body responds by creating specialized antibodies—basically your immune system’s weapons—that recognize and destroy the virus if you’re ever exposed in the future.

This process takes a little time, so you don’t become immune immediately after the shot. But once those antibodies are built, they stick around, providing long-term protection. That’s why the CDC recommends two doses: the first gets your immune system started, and the second locks in that lifelong defense for most people. It’s also why measles outbreaks usually happen in places where vaccine coverage is low or immunity has waned, especially in people who only received one dose or were vaccinated with the less effective version used briefly in the 1960s.

Bottom line: when you’re fully vaccinated, your body is equipped to handle measles before it ever becomes a threat.

 

Who Is at Risk for Measles in Shelby County?

Despite the hoopla about measles in the news, if you’re over the age of 6, you’re probably in the clear. Shelby County reports a 95% MMR vaccination rate among kindergarteners over the last half-decade. Still, there are certain areas of the county where vaccination rates drop below 70%, which could leave some Memphians vulnerable.

Unvaccinated Individuals

It goes without saying that individuals who are yet to be MMR vaccinated are at risk of contracting the measles if they are exposed to the disease. It’s important to note that this group also includes those who are not yet old enough to receive the full dose, like children under 15 months. 

For this reason, parents of infants might want to consider talking about early vaccination with their pediatrician. Just keep in mind that early vaccination won’t be enough to cultivate lifelong immunity. They’ll still need the recommended dose when they reach 15 months and again around their 6th birthday. 

Adults who are unvaccinated or who are unsure of their vaccination status should visit their primary care provider for a booster vaccination, a titer to determine their antibody levels, or both for full protection against the measles. 

Individuals Vaccinated in the Mid-1960s

If you were vaccinated for measles between 1963 and 1967, we’ve got some news: you may not be fully protected. During that time, a version of the vaccine using a killed virus was used, but it was later found to be less effective. Some people who received it still got measles or experienced a more severe form of the illness when exposed. By 1967, the safer and more effective live vaccine replaced it. 

If you’re unsure which version you received, or if you don’t have your records, we recommend getting the MMR vaccine again just to be safe. The side effect profile is so low that the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Immuno-Compromised Individuals 

If you have a weakened immune system, the CDC generally recommends getting the MMR vaccine, unless there’s a medical reason not to. That’s because people with compromised immunity are at higher risk of serious complications from measles, mumps, and rubella. 

The vaccine does contain a weakened form of the viruses, so in some cases—like during chemotherapy, after an organ transplant, or during pregnancy—it may not be safe. That’s why it’s important to talk with your doctor first. If you’re only moderately immunosuppressed, you might still be able to get the vaccine, depending on your specific situation. 

And if you can’t get it yourself, it’s smart to make sure the people around you are vaccinated to help protect you.

When In Doubt, Check with Your Doctor

If you’re unsure whether you’re protected against measles, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You have two simple options: a booster or a titer. A booster is just another dose of the MMR vaccine to refresh your immunity—it’s safe, even if you were already protected. A titer is a blood test that checks whether you still have enough antibodies to fight off the virus. It’s a quick way to find out if your immune system is still doing its job. If there’s any doubt, your doctor can help decide which option makes the most sense for you.

 

You’re Probably Protected, But It’s Better to Be Safe than Sorry

The good news? Most people in Shelby County are already protected against measles and have nothing to worry about. If you’ve had both doses of the MMR vaccine—or were born before 1957—you’re likely covered for life. But if you’re not sure, were vaccinated in the mid-1960s, or fall into a higher-risk group, it’s worth taking a closer look. 

A quick titer at ZüpMed can check your immunity, or you can go ahead and get a booster for added peace of mind. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover it, you’ll spend about $100 for protection that could save your life—or someone else’s. 

So while there’s no need to panic, there’s also no need to guess. Get clarity, get protected, and move on with peace of mind.

Posted by ZüpMed