Health awareness

Navigating RSV disease: one family’s journey

As the leading cause of hospitalization for infants in the U.S., respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can progress to severe illness for some babies

June 11, 2025

Caring for a child with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be challenging. New parents Amanda and Jeremy thought they were as prepared as possible for any illness for their daughter Charlotte.

women wearing a mask comforting a child in hospital bed

Charlotte’s first night in the pediatric ICU.

They had an established pediatrician, supportive family and friends and a variety of resources and supplies on hand to help manage symptoms. But they weren’t prepared for Charlotte to progress from having what they initially thought was a cold, with a cough and runny nose, to being admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for RSV at only 7 months old.

RSV is a contagious, widespread seasonal infection and the leading cause of hospitalization for infants under a year old in the U.S. Infants are among the populations most at risk of contracting the severe virus during their first RSV season, which typically starts in the fall and peaks in the winter in most regions of the U.S.

Charlotte’s experience with RSV

“Charlotte was a happy, chill baby. When she wasn’t happy, it was usually a sign that she was about to get sick,” said Amanda, who as a first-time parent hadn’t thought much about RSV up until that point.

On the day Charlotte was cleared to go home.

As Charlotte’s symptoms worsened, their doctor told Amanda and Jeremy what to look out for, mainly retracting or pulling in between and under the ribs, which was a sign of her struggling to breathe.

Amanda and Jeremy were surprised when Charlotte was admitted for difficulty breathing due to RSV and stayed in the pediatric ICU for a week.

Fortunately, she recovered and Amanda and Jeremy were so appreciative of her medical care. Today, Charlotte is a healthy and happy 3-year-old who loves spending time with her parents and younger brother.

Amanda understands that her family’s experience is unfortunately not unique.

"I urge all parents to understand the signs and symptoms of RSV so you can be prepared."

— Amanda

The impact of RSV on infants

RSV is a common seasonal respiratory infection that can be spread through virus droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV.

It’s the most common cause of hospitalization in infants under one year old in the U.S.

Common symptoms include a runny nose, fever, coughing and wheezing. While RSV doesn’t usually cause severe illness, healthy and at-risk infants can develop more severe cases that may lead to illnesses such as bronchiolitis (inflammation in the small airways of the lungs) or pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and may require hospitalization.

It’s important for caregivers to speak with a health care provider to learn more about RSV and its symptoms.

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Health awareness

Infectious disease detection and prevention

Learn more about how to detect and help prevent many infectious diseases

June 2, 2025

Adult holding a child while she hands on monkey bar

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that can spread directly or indirectly from one person to another. These diseases can range from mild to severe and can affect various bodily systems, potentially leading to significant health complications and, in some cases, death.

Vaccination is one way we can help protect against certain infectious diseases. However, in recent years, vaccination rates have been declining, which has contributed to outbreaks of some infectious diseases. For example, measles was declared eliminated; yet in 2019, there was a large measles outbreak in the U.S. with 1,274 cases reported across 31 states, which was the greatest number of cases reported in the country since 1992. And as recently as 2025, outbreaks continue to appear in parts of the U.S.

Outbreaks like these are a worrying sign of a heightened risk for the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Information about certain infectious diseases

Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B | Measles | Mumps I Rotavirus I I Rubella

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus, which spreads when someone ingests the virus, usually through person-to-person contact or by consuming contaminated food or drink. Those infected may feel sick for a few weeks or several months.

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis A

Dark urine or clay-colored stools
Feeling tired
Diarrhea
Fever
Joint pain
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)

Potential risks and complications

In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause liver failure and death.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver that’s transmitted when blood, semen or another body fluid from a person infected with the hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is uninfected (e.g., during sexual contact or childbirth). The disease can range from a mild, acute illness lasting a few weeks to a serious long-term, chronic infection.

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B

Dark urine or clay-colored stools
Feeling tired
Fever
Joint pain
Nausea, stomach pain or vomiting
Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)

Potential risks and complications

Approximately 15%-25% of people with chronic infection develop chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.

About 9 in 10 infants infected with hepatitis B ultimately develop a chronic infection, with the risk of chronic infection decreasing as the child gets older.

Measles

Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old. The disease spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, with symptoms appearing seven to 14 days after contact with the virus.

By 2000, due to effective use of vaccines along with collaborative efforts with public health organizations and health care professionals, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. However, outbreaks continue to occur.

Learn more about measles.

Illustration of small boy with red spots on his arm

Signs and symptoms of measles

Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Spots in mouth
Rash

Potential risks and complications

Complications from measles include ear infections in about 1 in 10 children and diarrhea in fewer than 1 in 10 cases. Some children may suffer from severe complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (infection of the brain).

Mumps

Mumps is caused by a virus that affects the salivary glands. The disease spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose or throat. It can take two to four weeks for signs of infection to show.

At one time, mumps was the most common cause of acquired deafness in the U.S.

Signs and symptoms of mumps

Puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Tiredness
Loss of appetite

Potential risks and complications

Although rare, mumps can cause serious complications, which include inflammation of the testicles (a condition known as orchitis).

Rotavirus

Rotavirus commonly spreads in families, hospitals and child care centers with symptoms usually starting about two days after a person is exposed to the virus. Some symptoms can last three to eight days.

Signs and symptoms of rotavirus

Severe watery diarrhea
Vomiting
Fever
Stomach pain
Dehydration
Loss of appetite

Potential risks and complications

Although usually self-limiting, severe illness can result in dehydration with shock leading to hospitalization or, on rare occasions, even death

Rubella

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The disease is usually mild with few noticeable symptoms.

About 25 to 50% of people infected with rubella will not experience symptoms but will still be at risk of spreading the infection to others.

Signs and symptoms of rubella

Fever
Headache
Mild pink eye (redness or swelling of the white of the eye)
General discomfort
Swollen and enlarged lymph nodes
Cough
Runny nose

Potential risks and complications

Rubella is especially dangerous to developing babies during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant and become infected with rubella, there’s an increased risk of having a miscarriage or the baby dying just after birth. The virus can also be passed on to the baby, who may develop congenital rubella syndrome, which includes birth defects such as heart problems, hearing and/or vision problems or developmental delays.

Understanding disease prevention

It’s important to learn about the potential risks of these diseases.

Talk to your health care provider about ways to help prevent infectious diseases including appropriate vaccines for you and your family.

Vaccines: Our history, our legacy

We’ve spent more than a century working to discover and develop vaccines.

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Health awareness

Addressing the global shortage of TICE BCG

A new facility will triple our manufacturing capacity and address anticipated global demand for TICE BCG for the foreseeable future

May 30, 2025

Since 2012, when Merck became the sole manufacturer of TICE® BCG BCG LIVE (for intravesical use) in many locations around the world, increasing global demand has outpaced our current maximum manufacturing capabilities. Committed to producing TICE BCG, in 2021 we announced our plans to construct a new manufacturing facility to significantly expand our production capacity for TICE BCG.

Once fully operational, the new facility will triple our current manufacturing capacity, with supply gradually increasing over time, and address global demand for TICE BCG. We’re investing more than $650 million in the new manufacturing facility, which is expected to be fully operational by late 2026 following inspection, regulatory review and approval.

Warehouse used to maintain inventory of materials used for TICE BCG production

This medicine has a lengthy and complex manufacturing process. Each batch takes more than three months to make, 30 days of which are spent waiting for the growth of a bacteria used to make the medicine.

This investment reaffirms Merck’s longstanding commitment to producing this medicine, and all our medicines, for patients who need them. We recognize the impact supply shortages can have on patients when they can’t receive the medicines they need. Until the new facility is complete, we’ll continue to use a system to proportionally allocate TICE BCG to minimize disruption to patient care as much as possible.

If patients have questions regarding TICE BCG, they should speak with their physicians. Additional information related to the shortage, current allocation practices and our efforts to increase supply, including construction of a new manufacturing site, is below.

What caused the TICE BCG shortages and backorders?

Since 2012, when Merck became the sole manufacturer of TICE® BCG BCG LIVE (for intravesical use) in many locations around the world, increasing global demand has outpaced our current maximum manufacturing capabilities. While we have many years of experience producing TICE BCG, this medicine has a lengthy and inherently complex manufacturing process.

Prior to 2012, additional manufacturers supplied the U.S. market with TICE BCG, with Merck providing 30-40% of the U.S. supply. As other manufacturers exited the U.S. market in 2012, Merck increased production of TICE BCG to the full extent allowed by our current manufacturing capacity, which effectively doubled our supply of TICE BCG to the U.S. market.

What’s the latest update on the new TICE BCG facility?

Merck is investing more than $650 million to construct a new manufacturing facility to significantly expand production capacity for TICE BCG (first announced in 2021). We expect the facility to be fully operational by late 2026, following inspection, regulatory review and approval, and will address the anticipated demand for TICE BCG.

Once operational, our manufacturing capacity of TICE BCG will triple, and we expect supply to gradually increase over time following local market review and approvals.

How does the TICE BCG allocation process work?

To minimize disruption to patient care as much as possible until the new facility is complete, we’ll continue to use a system to proportionally allocate TICE BCG based on historical demand or in accordance with existing contractual obligations.

Merck allocates available supply among its network of wholesalers and distributors based on historical purchasing patterns or in accordance with existing contractual obligations. In turn, wholesalers and distributors allocate their inventory of TICE BCG to their own customers. End customers, including hospitals or private physician practices, cannot order product directly from Merck. This process is designed to proportionally allocate TICE BCG to minimize disruption to patient care as much as possible.

Where can I find more information about the availability of TICE BCG?

Patients:
Patients should reach out to their physician, as they are in the best position to answer questions about the availability of the medicine in their practice and can inquire about the quantity and timing of product availability with their supplier.

Health care professionals:
Health care professionals with questions regarding allocation should contact their wholesaler or distributor.

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Endometrial cancer: Understanding the signs and symptoms

Learn more about how you can detect endometrial cancer

May 13, 2025

As we age, certain changes can seem like a part of getting older, such as periods that are lighter or heavier than normal, or spotting between cycles. Yet it’s important that we recognize and raise these changes with health care providers because they may signal a more serious issue, such as endometrial cancer.

What is endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed gynecologic cancer worldwide. It occurs when cancerous cells form in the tissues of the endometrium or inner lining of the uterus.

How can I learn if I’m at risk for endometrial cancer?

The average age of diagnosis is around 60, with most cases occurring after menopause. Studies show Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with endometrial cancer than white women.

While age, race, family history and lifestyle choices all impact the risk of endometrial cancer, conditions that affect the body’s estrogen levels can also play a role. For example:

Estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy for menopause often includes an increase of unopposed estrogen to manage menopausal symptoms.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) usually creates higher estrogen levels.
Estrogen modulators may cause the uterine lining to grow.
Certain comorbidities, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension, have been linked as risk factors for endometrial cancer. For example, in people with obesity, fat tissue can convert certain hormones into estrogen, which increase the levels in the body.
The number of menstrual periods in a lifetime and a history of no pregnancies can affect estrogen levels. Beginning menstruation at a young age and experiencing menopause at a late age increases exposure to estrogen.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of endometrial cancer, but there are others to keep in mind.

What to watch out for:

Bleeding after menopause
Bleeding between periods
A change in periods
Vaginal spotting
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain or discomfort
Changes to bowel or bladder habits

How is endometrial cancer diagnosed?

As there is no routine screening exam to diagnose endometrial cancer before symptoms begin, it’s important to report signs or symptoms to your doctor right away. For those who have gone through menopause, it’s especially important to report any vaginal bleeding, spotting or abnormal discharge.

Tests to diagnose endometrial cancer may include:

Endometrial biopsy: A thin, flexible tube is inserted into the uterus to collect a tissue sample from the endometrium.
Dilation and curettage: The cervix is dilated to collect tissue from the inner lining of the uterus.
Hysteroscopy: An instrument with a light and lens for viewing is inserted into the uterus to look for abnormal areas.
Transvaginal ultrasound: A probe is inserted into the vagina to produce images that are used to assess the pelvic organs, including the uterus.

Being diagnosed with endometrial cancer can be scary. But by speaking with your doctor, you can better understand your options and build the best path forward.

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Health awareness

When cancer comes back

An oncology researcher explains who's at higher risk for cancer recurrence and what you can do to make it less likely

May 13, 2025

photo of a doctor holding clipboard and pointing something out to the woman sitting next to her

After completing cancer treatment, patients may experience both feelings of joy and relief as well as the fear of cancer returning.

“The thought of cancer coming back can bring on a lot of emotions, but not all recurrences are the same and not all will require active treatment,” said Dr. Marjorie Green, Merck’s senior vice president and head of oncology global clinical development. “It’s important to be aware of the possibility and talk with your doctor to understand your risk.”

What is cancer recurrence?

Cancer recurrence is the return of a previously diagnosed cancer after a period during which it was undetectable. Recurrence can happen weeks, months or even years after the initial diagnosis and treatment. The cancer might come back in the same place it first started, or it might come back somewhere else in the body. The different types of recurrences are:

Local: Cancer returns at the same place it first started.
Regional: Cancer is detected in lymph nodes near the place it first started.
Distant: Cancer comes back in another part of the body.

Who’s at risk for cancer recurrence?

While any cancer can come back, certain types are more likely to return, for example, cancers of the bladder and pancreas. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is hormone-receptor negative, is more likely to recur than hormone-receptor positive breast cancer. Cancers caused by tobacco use also have a higher risk of recurrence.

Beyond cancer type, certain other factors can also influence the likelihood of recurrence, including stage at diagnosis (advanced or metastatic stages may have a higher chance of returning) and tumor growth rate.

Reducing the risk of recurrence

“Because patients who’ve been treated for cancer face a risk of recurrence, staying informed and proactive is essential.”

Dr. Marjorie Green

In addition to eating right and exercising, it’s also important to stay on top of follow-up visits with your health care team. A helpful question to ask during appointments may be: Could cancer spread or come back after surgery?

“Surgery is not always the end of cancer treatment because even if all visible cancer is removed, there still may be some tumor cells remaining in the body that are too few to be detectable on screening or diagnostic tests,” Green said.

Screenings to detect new cancers are important for survivors who might be at higher risk of developing another cancer because of their treatments or from increasing age. Screenings also may help catch potential recurrences at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Learn more about the importance of diagnosing cancer early.

Health awareness

Supporting colleagues working with cancer

There are so many unknowns after a cancer diagnosis — whether or not you receive support at work shouldn’t be one of them

April 17, 2025

Chet Kitchen had no idea how his battle with cancer would affect his work. Our colleague of 25 years and director of global regulatory policy wasn’t used to missing big meetings and presentations for hospital visits and oncology appointments.

“It’s a constant balance between trying to focus on work and trying to focus on your health,” said Kitchen. “That’s where having a good company to support you and colleagues who appreciate you and look out for you can make the difference.”

Kitchen is a head and neck cancer survivor. After following his doctor’s treatment plan for stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, he was told there was no evidence of disease. But a year later, the cancer returned, and he was put on a new treatment plan.

Head and neck cancer can begin in or around the throat, voice box, sinuses, mouth and salivary glands. More than 90% of head and neck cases are squamous cell carcinoma, which is cancer that starts in the cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck. Symptoms may include a lump in the neck or sore in the mouth or throat that does not heal or may be painful, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice.

Impact of cancer on careers

“One of the most important things a company can do to support a colleague living with cancer is to listen and understand their needs,” Kitchen said.

“To have the opportunity to take time off was so important,” he said. “My company gave me the flexibility to take care of my emotional needs by allowing me to focus on my health when I needed to, but also to focus on work when I didn’t want to think about cancer.”

Ongoing employment and return to work may help promote a sense of normalcy and control for cancer patients.

“Being diagnosed with cancer may hurt your career or make it more challenging,” Kitchen said.

“But working for our company really invigorated me. I can really appreciate the work that we do and how it impacts patients.”

— Chet Kitchen

Why we support the Working with Cancer pledge

At Merck, we’re dedicated to supporting people living and working with cancer around the world. We’re proud to be an accredited CEO Cancer Gold Standard employer and a founding member of the Working with Cancer pledge to help provide a more open, supportive and recovery-forward culture at work for cancer patients like Kitchen.

Today, Kitchen’s cancer is in remission, but that doesn’t mean his patient journey is over.

“Even though you’re not physically battling cancer, it never really leaves you because it’s always somewhere in your mind,” he said. “But one of the things that’s really helped me emotionally through my survivorship is sharing my story.”

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Understanding melanoma: The signs and risk factors

Learn more about how to monitor your skin for melanoma and ways to help prevent it

March 26, 2025

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. Characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells, melanoma accounted for approximately 1.7% of new cancer cases worldwide in 2022.

Exposure to ultraviolent (UV) radiation, either from the sun or other sources such as tanning beds and sunlamps, is a major risk factor for skin cancers, including melanoma. While melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin, including areas without sun exposure, it’s more likely to start in certain locations, like the face and neck, legs (most common in women), and chest and back (most common in men).

Illustration of a man and woman and the most common locations of melanoma

The risk of melanoma generally increases with age and incidence is greater among older populations. However, even among patients younger than 30 years, melanoma is one of the most common cancers, especially in young women.

Worldwide, the melanoma diagnosis rate has risen over the past two decades

331,000+

Estimated number of new melanoma cases worldwide in 2022

Signs of cancerous moles

A new spot on the skin or a spot that is changing in size, shape or color, or one that looks different, is an important warning sign of melanoma and should be checked by a doctor. The ABCDE rule can be used as a guide to help identify the warning signs of melanoma:

A is for Asymmetry

One half of a mole or spot does not match the other.

B is for Border

The edges of the spot are irregular, scalloped or poorly defined.

C is for Color

The color of the spot is not the same all over and may include different shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white or blue.

D is for Diameter

The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across. Melanoma is usually larger than 6 millimeters in size (about 1/4-inch or the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed. However, it can sometimes be smaller.

E is for Evolving

The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Any of these warning signs should be discussed with a doctor, especially if you feel you are at risk for melanoma.

Causes of melanoma

There are many risk factors and causes of melanoma, including:

UV light on your skin, such as from the sun or a tanning bed (the most common risk factor for most cases of melanoma)
Age — melanoma is more common in older people, but younger people are also at risk. Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in people younger than 30 years (especially among women)
Moles — having many moles, irregular or large moles, or atypical moles
Personal or family history – Melanoma can be genetic and having a relative with melanoma can increase your risk
Fair skin or a fair complexion, a lot of freckles and/or light-colored hair and eyes

Ways to lower your risk of melanoma

Melanoma can’t be entirely prevented, but there are ways to lower your risk. The number one way to lower risk is to protect against UV rays, which damage the DNA of skin cells and impact the genes that control skin cell growth. That’s why it’s important to avoid tanning beds, booths, sunlamps and other artificial sources of UV radiation. However, the top source of UV rays is the sun. That’s why it’s important to practice sun safety every time you go outside, even on cloudy days when UV rays can still shine through. Here are a few ways to protect yourself:

illustration of beach chair and umbrella on sand

Seek shade

UV exposure is greatest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you need to be outside during these hours, seek shade – under a tree, an umbrella or an awning.

illustration of person wearing big beach hat

Wear a hat

Try to find a hat with a wide brim – at least 2 or 3 inches wide – to protect your face, top of the head, ears and neck.

illustration of person holding long sleeve shirt

Cover up

Choose clothing with a tight knit or weave, and avoid shirts that you can see through. Remember, if light is getting through, then UV rays are too.

illustration of adult applying sunscreen to a child

Use sunscreen

For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Wear sunglasses

Protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them. Pick a pair of sunglasses that will block as close to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.

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Health awareness

VIDEO: Living with pulmonary arterial hypertension

One woman’s story shows the power of knowledge and support for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

March 18, 2025

Colleen with her husband and two children

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) entered Colleen’s life unexpectedly. She was 35 when she noticed she became short of breath easily. She thought it was due to the weight she gained during her recent pregnancy. A year later, Colleen lost the weight but was still gasping for breath after climbing a few flights of stairs. Colleen wasn’t only feeling fatigued; she was worried. She’d later learn these were symptoms of PAH.

Colleen was first diagnosed with asthma, but her condition continued to worsen. She searched for an answer while daily tasks became more difficult. It took two and a half years for Colleen to be referred to a cardiologist who properly diagnosed her with PAH, one of the five different types of a broader condition called pulmonary hypertension (PH).

What is pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?

PAH is a rare and life-threatening condition that progressively worsens. It is a type of high blood pressure in the small arteries of the lungs. This condition occurs when these vessels thicken, narrowing the space for blood to flow and leading to increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation. As a result, the right side of the heart must work harder to pump blood through these arteries. Over time, the right side of the heart can become weakened and lose function.

PAH has similar symptoms to other common lung diseases, such as asthma, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Currently, there are approximately 1,000 people in the U.S. diagnosed with PAH each year.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of PAH

The exact cause of PAH is unknown, and most people with PAH have no known family history of the disease. People may not notice any early-stage symptoms of PAH, but as the disease progresses, they may experience common symptoms, such as increased shortness of breath, peripheral edema (swelling of the feet and/or legs), fatigue, dizziness, fainting spells, and heart palpitations (racing heart).

PAH can hinder a person’s physical abilities and impact everyday tasks.

“Living with pulmonary arterial hypertension isn’t easy.”

Colleen, patient with PAH

“I had to purchase a scooter to do outside activities with my children. I couldn’t perform basic functions for myself and my family or make it to the sidelines of a baseball field to watch my son play. I was truly relegated to living on the sidelines myself. But through it all, I’ve never given up,” said Colleen.

Raising awareness for PAH

In addition to working with her doctor, Colleen found comfort through her support system. Since her diagnosis, Colleen has dedicated her life to raising awareness of PAH and helping others living with the disease. “It’s important for patients and the community to have knowledge and encourage each other. Whatever we can do to lift the community and spread awareness of this devastating disease is appreciated,” she added.

Colleen and her support group holding a hope sign

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Sarampión: signos y síntomas

Obtenga más información sobre qué es el virus del sarampión y cómo se propaga

February 19, 2025

¿Qué es el sarampión?

El sarampión es una enfermedad viral altamente contagiosa que puede afectar a personas de todas las edades, pero es más común en los niños. El virus vive en la mucosidad de la nariz y en la garganta de una persona infectada.

El sarampión se propaga por el aire cuando una persona infectada tose o estornuda. Los síntomas aparecen entre 7 y 14 días después del contacto con el virus.

Los síntomas comunes del sarampión incluyen los siguientes:

Fiebre alta

(puede subir repentinamente a más de 104 °F)

Tos

Moqueo

Ojos rojos y llorosos

(conjuntivitis)

Manchas en la boca

(2-3 días después de que comiencen los síntomas)

Erupción

(3-5 días después de que comiencen los síntomas)

Cómo se propaga el sarampión

¿El sarampión se transmite por el aire?

El virus del sarampión puede permanecer hasta dos horas en el ambiente después de que una persona infectada abandona un sitio.

¿Qué tan contagioso es el sarampión?

Si una persona tiene sarampión, hasta el 90% de las personas no vacunadas que se encuentren cerca de ella también se infectarán.

¿Por cuánto tiempo es contagioso el sarampión?

Las personas infectadas pueden transmitir el sarampión a otras entre cuatro días antes y cuatro días después de que aparezca la erupción

¿Cuánto dura el período de incubación del sarampión?

Después de estar expuesto al virus del sarampión, este puede incubarse por hasta 21 días.

¿El sarampión causa complicaciones?

El sarampión puede causar complicaciones de salud. Las más comunes son las infecciones de oído y la diarrea. Las complicaciones graves incluyen neumonía y encefalitis (inflamación del cerebro). El sarampión puede afectar la vida diaria de los pacientes y de sus cuidadores (por ejemplo, puede dar lugar a una pérdida de horas de trabajo o días de escuela).

El sarampión puede ser grave y causar complicaciones

Aproximadamente 1 de cada 5 personas no vacunadas en los EE. UU. que contraen sarampión se hospitalizan.
Hasta 1 de cada 20 niños con sarampión contrae neumonía, que es la causa más común de muerte por sarampión en niños pequeños.
Aproximadamente entre 1 y 3 de cada 1,000 niños que se infectan de sarampión morirán por complicaciones respiratorias y neurológicas.

Brotes de sarampión

Antes de la disponibilidad de la vacuna en 1963, se estima que entre 3 y 4 millones de estadounidenses contraían sarampión cada año, y se calcula que 48,000 personas en Estados Unidos se hospitalizaban y se producían aproximadamente entre 400 y 500 muertes al año.

El sarampión endémico (que ocurre regularmente dentro de un área o una comunidad) se declaró erradicado en los EE. UU. en el año 2000.

En 2019, se registró el mayor número de casos de sarampión notificados en Estados Unidos desde 1992.

En 2024, se han producido brotes continuos de sarampión. Hasta julio, se han notificado 13 brotes de sarampión en los Estados Unidos.

Cuando usted se contagia de sarampión, hasta el 90% de las personas a su alrededor que no estén vacunadas también se infectarán.

En los Estados Unidos, los casos de sarampión pueden originarse en viajes internacionales, ya que la enfermedad sigue siendo común en muchas partes del mundo. Por lo general, 2 de cada 3 viajeros con sarampión son estadounidenses no vacunados que reingresan al país.

Como lo demuestran los brotes recientes en todo el país, el sarampión se puede propagar rápidamente y las personas infectadas pueden contagiar a personas que no son inmunes.

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Make time to get screened for cancer

Find out why it's important to follow cancer screening recommendations

January 15, 2025

We’ve all had the feeling that there aren’t enough hours in the day. In between everything else on the to-do list, it can feel hard to make your health and annual appointments a priority. However, it’s important to take control of your health and talk to your doctor about what cancer screenings might be recommended for you.

Why timing matters in cancer screening

Time is important with a cancer diagnosis so that treatment can be started early, before cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Cancer screenings can increase the chance of finding disease before a person has symptoms or when cancer is still in earlier stages.

There are screening guidelines for many types of cancer, such as breast, colorectal and lung cancer, as well as melanoma. Screening recommendations often take into consideration a few factors, such as age, family history and lifestyle. Your doctor can help you identify which screenings might be right for you.

As a leader in oncology, we’re committed to addressing the global impact of cancer.

“Through our work to increase access to screening and our other initiatives and programs, we appreciate the importance of finding disease early, before it has spread to help enable early treatment, because we believe people with cancer deserve more,” said Linda Kollmar, associate vice president, medical affairs, value and implementation.

So, make time now to talk to your doctor and to find out if you’re eligible for cancer screening.

We’re working to help address other barriers to cancer screening

Raising awareness about cancer screening is just one way our company works to help improve lives. We also strive to help address barriers to screening and treatment, which is why we work with partners around the globe to support public health initiatives that support recommended screening and create access to high quality cancer care for all patients.

Our support of the American Cancer Society’s Get Screened initiative makes it possible for community members to be screened for breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer who might not have access otherwise. And working with City Cancer Challenge, we support the Patient Navigation Program in Kigali, Rwanda to train nurses as patient navigators who can help people understand health information more easily and gain access to health care options more quickly.

Find out more about how we collaborate with partners around the world to help make cancer care more accessible.

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Make time to get screened for cancer

Why timing matters in cancer screening

We’re working to help address other barriers to cancer screening

Related links

Forward-looking statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA