Measles cases are rising in New York and across the country, and the state recently declared a health emergency in response. For many families, the headlines raise practical questions: How contagious is measles? Who is most at risk? And what should you do if you or your children haven’t been fully vaccinated?

Brittany Kmush, associate professor of public health in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, is an infectious disease epidemiologist who studies vaccine policy and vaccine hesitancy. She provides comments that can be quoted directly, and is available for interview by request.

“Measles is highly contagious but is easily preventable through vaccination. Measles spreads so easily that you can get it simply by entering a room an infected person left hours ago. It usually causes a rash and high fever, but can also lead to dangerous brain swelling, even years after infection. Those most at risk are young children, who are too young to be vaccinated. It also weakens your immune system for weeks after infection, which can make you especially vulnerable to getting very sick from common infections, such as colds or flu.

“If you have had two doses of the measles vaccine and no other underlying health conditions, you are well protected. If you haven’t had two doses, you should get a vaccine as soon as possible, especially if you live, work or plan to travel to places with a lot of cases. While most children in the U.S. get their first dose of the measles vaccine between 12 and 15 months old, it can be given to younger babies in certain situations. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about getting the vaccine if they are younger than 12 months old, and they will help you make the best decision for your family.”

Kmush is available to speak with members of the media about measles, vaccination and outbreak response.

To connect with her on this topic and other public health angles, please contact Daryl Lovell, dalovell@syr.edu.