About measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. The virus spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and remarkably, these droplets can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left the area. This extraordinary persistence makes measles extremely contagious—about nine out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected. Anyone without vaccination faces significant risk for both infection and serious complications, which is why the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective prevention method available.
Symptoms
Measles symptoms typically develop seven to 14 days after initial exposure to the virus. The illness begins with a high fever that may exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by a persistent cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. Perhaps the most recognizable sign of measles is the characteristic rash, which appears three to five days after these initial symptoms begin. This progression of symptoms helps healthcare providers distinguish measles from other common childhood illnesses.
Complications
Despite being considered by some as a routine childhood illness, measles can cause serious and potentially life-threatening health problems. Pneumonia represents one of the most common complications, while brain swelling (encephalitis) poses another severe risk. In the most serious cases, measles can result in death, particularly among very young children, adults over 20, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Early recognition of symptoms and appropriate medical care play crucial roles in preventing virus spread and avoiding serious complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established comprehensive treatment protocols, including vitamin A supplementation, which has proven effective in reducing severity.
Managing household exposure
When someone in your household develops measles symptoms, immediate isolation becomes essential. Keep the infected person separated from healthy family members, and all household members should remain home to prevent community spread. Contact your doctor or hospital immediately to report suspected measles, as healthcare providers need advance notice to prepare appropriate isolation procedures and protect other patients and staff.
Emergency care
Certain symptoms require immediate emergency medical attention. Seek emergency care without delay if the infected person experiences trouble breathing or rapid breathing, chest pain when breathing or coughing, or signs of dehydration such as dry mouth or nose, reduced urination, or crying without tears in children. Additionally, persistent high fever, severe headache, confusion, decreased alertness, extreme weakness, blue coloring around the mouth, low energy, or feeding difficulties in young children all warrant emergency intervention.
*If possible, call the hospital before arrival to inform staff that you are bringing someone with suspected measles, though you should never delay seeking care if emergency symptoms develop.
Vaccination
The MMR vaccine provides the most reliable protection against measles and its potentially serious complications. People who cannot receive the vaccine or choose not to vaccinate face substantially higher risks of infection and severe illness, particularly during community outbreaks.
For children, the recommended vaccination schedule includes the first dose between 12 to 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between 4 to 6 years. However, the second dose may be administered earlier if at least 28 days have passed since the first dose. Special considerations apply to infants traveling internationally, who should receive one dose between 6 to 11 months before travel. These children will still need two additional doses at the standard recommended ages to ensure complete protection.
Older children, teenagers, and adults who are not immune to measles, mumps, and rubella should receive one or two MMR vaccine doses depending on their specific circumstances. Anyone uncertain about their vaccination status or appropriate dosing should contact their primary care doctor or local health department for personalized guidance.
Taking action
Protecting yourself and your community from measles involves several straightforward steps. Getting vaccinated with the safe and highly effective MMR vaccine represents the most important action you can take. Learning to recognize measles symptoms enables early detection, which helps prevent outbreaks from spreading throughout the community. Staying informed by following official health updates ensures you have access to the most current information about measles activity in your area.
For vaccination appointments or additional information about measles prevention, contact your primary care provider or your local health department. These healthcare professionals can provide personalized advice based on your individual health needs and vaccination history.