Parent Brings 3 Unvaccinated Kids with Measles Symptoms to Dr. Kube in ED
Understanding the Rise in Seasonal Illnesses
As the weather transitioned from a warm fall to cooler temperatures, there has been a noticeable increase in patients coming into the Emergency Department (ED) with symptoms like fevers, chills, coughs, and sore throats. This seasonal shift has led to a rise in cases of common viral infections, which often require similar treatment approaches.
During my shifts, I frequently found myself repeating the same advice to patients: rest, stay hydrated, use over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen for symptom relief, and practice good hygiene to prevent spreading the illness. Additionally, I emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19 if they hadn’t already done so.
A Family’s Visit with Unvaccinated Children
On one particularly busy overnight shift, a family with three children aged 2 to 6 years came into the ED with complaints of fever, cough, and sore throat. None of the children had any known medical history or prior visits to the ED, which made their case somewhat unusual. I wore a mask and gloves while examining them to ensure safety.
The mother explained that her oldest child was the first to become ill, followed by his siblings. All three had fevers around 102 degrees, along with coughing, runny nose, watery and red eyes, sore throat, and fatigue. She also mentioned hearing news about a possible measles case at their daycare, which raised concerns.
Examining for Measles Symptoms
As I examined the children, I paid close attention to signs that could indicate measles, such as Koplik’s spots in the mouth. While I didn’t observe these specific spots, I did notice a rash on their faces, along with redness in their throat and eyes, which were concerning symptoms. I asked the mother about their vaccination history, as the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles.
She revealed that she and her husband had chosen not to vaccinate their children. According to data, one dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective. Without vaccination, the risk of infection is significantly higher.
The Measles Outbreak in Central Ohio
By mid-October, there were over 1,500 confirmed measles cases in the U.S., with an outbreak occurring in central Ohio. This outbreak involved multiple related cases, including one involving a student from the New Albany-Plains School District’s Early Learning Center. As a result, I needed to notify the health department about the potential measles cases and proceed with further testing, including throat swabs and blood work.
This was the first time I had encountered a possible measles patient in my medical career. In 2000, the U.S. declared measles eliminated, meaning the disease stopped circulating nationwide for over a year. However, with decreased vaccination rates, the virus has reemerged and is now spreading again.
The Importance of Vaccination
Vaccine rates among kindergarteners have dropped from 89.9% in 2019-2020 to 85.4% in 2024-2025. To achieve herd immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated due to allergies, age, pregnancy, or immunocompromised conditions, we need a vaccination rate of at least 90%.
Measles can lead to serious complications, including ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, croup, and even acute encephalitis, which can cause brain damage. One in 1,000 children may die from respiratory and neurological complications, and a rare condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can develop up to 8-10 years after infection.
Post-Discharge Care and Recommendations
After collecting samples from all three children, I advised the family to isolate at home and monitor for any worsening symptoms. It would take several days to confirm whether they tested positive for measles. I also provided the mother with guidance on when to seek further medical attention.
It is crucial for those who can be vaccinated to do so, not only for personal protection but also to safeguard vulnerable members of the community. Ensuring that vaccinations are up to date is a vital step in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and saving lives.
Dr. Erika Kube is an emergency physician who works for Mid-Ohio Emergency Services and OhioHealth. She can be reached at drerikakubemd@gmail.com.
- Parent Brings 3 Unvaccinated Kids with Measles Symptoms to Dr. Kube in ED - November 22, 2025
- 11 Kampus Global Hadiri Konferensi Unsultra, Fokus pada Kecerdasan Buatan Manusia - November 22, 2025
- “Radio lingkaran aneh” yang paling kuat dalam sejarah ditemukan - November 22, 2025
Leave a Reply