What is measles and what are the symptoms?
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and typically include:
- High fever, typically between 103- and 105-degrees Fahrenheit
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Rash that starts on the face and spreads downward across the body
How can I prevent measles?
Vaccinate your children.
The MMR vaccine is routinely administered at 12-15 months and boosted at 4-6 years. The vaccine is safe, rigorously tested and highly effective at preventing measles, providing 93% protection after one dose and 97% protection after both doses.
Limit travel/exposure in outbreak areas.
Measles is the most contagious respiratory virus ever studied, far more than influenza or even COVID. During active measles outbreaks, consider postponing travel to affected areas where the virus has been known to spread. This is particularly important for infants under 12 months who are too young for vaccination and are at a higher risk for severe complications.
Call your doctor.
If you're concerned about possible symptoms AND may have been exposed to an infected individual (via travel or unvaccinated contact), call your provider first. Due to the highly contagious nature of the virus, your provider will screen for potential cases of measles prior to scheduling an office visit.
Who doesn't need the MMR vaccine?
You don't need the MMR vaccine if:
- You have written documentation of adequate vaccination:
- at least one dose of a measles, mumps, and rubella virus-containing vaccine administered on or after the first birthday for preschool-age children and adults not at high risk for exposure and transmission
- two doses of measles and mumps virus-containing vaccine for school-age children and adults at high risk for exposure and transmission, including college students, healthcare personnel, international travelers, and groups at increased risk during outbreaks
- You have laboratory confirmation of past infection or had blood tests that show you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.
- You were born before 1957