Download What is measles? Measles is an acute, highly contagious viral

What is measles?
Measles is an acute, highly contagious viral illness.
Who gets measles?
Anyone who has not had measles or has not been adequately immunized may contract the disease. 17 cases of
measles have been documented in Massachusetts from January-May 2011, with 12 of these occurring in the
month of May alone. A national rise in measles cases has been noted as well; a total of 118 cases have been
documented in 23 states from January-May 2011, compared to a national average of 50 measles cases annually.
What are the symptoms of measles?
In the initial stages of illness, measles causes a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. These
symptoms worsen over the first 1 to 3 days of the illness. After 2 or 3 days, the classic rash of measles appears,
beginning on the face and neck and then spreading to the torso, arms, and legs. The rash, which can be red of
brown in color, persists for 5 to 8 days before going away.
Is measles dangerous?
Yes. In addition to the symptoms listed above, young children with measles may also develop ear infections,
diarrhea, and pneumonia. Complications such as deafness, blindness, seizure disorders, swelling of the brain,
and death may also occur. Measles is most dangerous for children under the age of 5, adults over the age of 20,
pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
How is measles spread?
Measles is spread through the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. It can stay in the air for up
to 2 hours, and other people nearby can then inhale the virus. Sharing tissues or eating utensils can also spread
the virus. People infected with measles are contagious for 4 days before and 4 days after the rash appears.
People exposed to measles begin to show symptoms of measles after an incubation period of 8 to 12 days, with
the rash typically appearing 14 days after infection. 90% of people exposed to measles will contract the disease.
What is the treatment for measles?
There is no treatment for measles. Patients may be kept comfortable with the use of acetaminophen or
ibuprofen if necessary. It is still recommended that patients be seen by their doctor if measles is suspected.
How can the spread of measles be prevented?
The single best measure of protection against measles is the MMR vaccine. Children should receive their first
dose of MMR vaccine between the ages of 12 and 15 months. While the second dose usually is given between
ages 4 and 5, a second dose may be given as soon as 28 days after the first dose if the risk of exposure is
increased (international travelers). State regulations require all children in child care, preschool, grades 1-12,
and college to have 2 doses of MMR vaccine. All health care and child care workers should have proof of 2
doses of MMR at least 28 days apart, or have blood tests (titers) that document proof of immunity. While no
vaccine is 100% effective, immunized children who do contract measles tend to have less severe symptoms.
What should I do if I think I have been exposed to measles?
People who suspect they have been exposed to measles should contact their doctor right away.
For more information about measles, please visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/measles
This handout adapted from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Fact Sheet: Measles, 4/2009 as
well as Immunizations & Infectious Diseases, An Informed Parent’s Guide, copyright 2006 by the AAP