Measles - Get The Facts
Measles is a highly contagious infection that causes high fevers, total-body skin rash, and flu-like symptoms. There is no specific medical cure for measles.
Measles outbreaks have been increasing worldwide, mostly spreading from people who are not vaccinated. When most people are immunized against measles, it protects them, prevents the disease from spreading, and helps prevent outbreaks. Unfortunately, 9 out of 10 people who aren't vaccinated for measles will be infected if they exposed to a person with measles.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Measles?
The first symptoms of a measles infection are usually a cough, runny nose, fever, and red eyes. Children also may have Koplik's spots (small red spots with blue-white centers) inside the mouth before the rash starts.
The 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. The fever and rash slowly go away after a few days.
How Do People Get Measles?
Measles spread when people breathe in or have direct contact with virus-infected fluid. It can pass through droplets sprayed into the air when someone with measles sneezes or coughs. Someone exposed to the virus usually shows symptoms 6–21 days later.
Can Measles Be Prevented?
The best way to protect your child is to make sure they're immunized against measles.
For most children, measles protection is part of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine (MMRV) given when they're 12 to 15 months old and again when they're 4 to 6 years old. About 95% of people achieve immunity during their first vaccine, and the rest develop it the second time they're vaccinated. Immunity usually lasts a lifetime.
If you're a teen or adult who isn't sure whether you've been properly vaccinated against measles, talk to your doctor. A blood test can confirm if you already have immunity from a previous vaccine.
If the test shows you don't have immunity, and you're a teen or young adult living in dormitory, your doctors will likely recommend that you get two doses of vaccine at least four weeks apart. Adults who don't have immunity are advised to get at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Your doctor can recommend what's best for your individual situation.*
Call the doctor right away if you think that your child has measles.
Helpful Resources
*Some content via Mayo Clinic
