What Are Measles?

This content was reviewed and approved by Shaina Doyen, PharmD, BCIDP

Measles is a contagious viral infection known primarily for the red rash produced. Also called rubeola, the infection was common in the U.S. before researchers developed a vaccine.

Measles is most often seen in children, where severe illness can occur. The disease can be fatal, and despite vaccination efforts, measles remains a significant global health concern, particularly for children.

How Measles Spread

Measles spread quickly through airborne droplets expelled when a sick person coughs, sneezes or simply talks. The droplets can remain airborne for around an hour, and anyone who passes through the area in that period is exposed to the virus.

The virus can also survive on surfaces for several hours. People who touch a contaminated surface and then their eyes, nose or mouth can become infected. Patients are most contagious from four days before the measles rash develops to four days after. In other words, this is human-to-human transmission.

Measles Symptoms and Progression

Measles symptoms develop 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The first sign is a blotchy, red rash that typically starts on the face and behind the ears, spreading to the back, chest and eventually the feet.

In addition to the rash, people with measles experience the following symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Inflammation of the thin membrane that covers the eyes (conjunctivitis)
• White spots with bluish centers on a red background on the inner cheek lining (called Koplik’s spots)

The infection progresses in stages over two to three weeks. For up to 14 days, there are often no symptoms. After that, the patient usually develops a mild to moderate fever, red eyes, a runny nose, cough, and sore throat. Then a rash appears as the fever rapidly increases, sometimes reaching up to 105.8°F. The rash typically clears up in about a week, while the cough may last a few days longer.

Measles Complications

People who get the measles may develop complications, including:

• Vomiting and diarrhea, which can cause or worsen dehydration
• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Laryngitis, bronchitis or croup
• Encephalitis
• Pregnancy issues like premature birth, low birth weight and death of the unborn baby

Measles Prevention and Treatment

The most important step in preventing measles is getting vaccinated with the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. Sometimes, this shot includes the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine and goes by the acronym MMRV.

Doctors recommend a first vaccination with MMR or MMRV between 12 and 15 months of age. Children should be vaccinated again before entering school. The two-dose approach to measles vaccination is 97% effective in preventing measles and typically provides lifelong protection. A small percentage of people develop measles from the vaccine, but the symptoms are generally mild.

Despite the claims in a disproven 1998 study, there is no link between the measles vaccination and autism.

You can reduce your risk of measles and other contagious respiratory viruses by washing your hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, especially in public spaces, and wearing a mask if you’re particularly concerned about your risk.

If you have measles or your child does, avoiding interacting with others is crucial.

There’s no specific treatment for measles. Care focuses on symptom relief. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter fever reducers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium), antibiotics to address complications like pneumonia and vitamin A for children who may be low in it, as low levels increase the risk that measles will become severe. Rest and fluids can also help the body respond to and recover from measles.

When people without immunity are exposed, doctors sometimes recommend vaccination or immune serum globulin injections before symptoms develop. This can help reduce the severity of the illness.

Do I Need a Booster?

Once you or your child has received both doses of the MMR vaccine since 1989, your two-dose immunity will last the rest of your life. Between 1957 and 1989, the MMR vaccine was typically a single dose, which remains effective in prevention. Some authorities suggest adults who received the one shot get the live attenuated vaccine, while the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the live attenuated vaccine. Before the vaccine was created in the late 1950s, nearly everyone got measles during childhood, providing natural immunity.

Talk With Your Doctor About Measles

Contact your physician if you have questions about the measles vaccine or the illness itself or think you or your child have been exposed. They can answer your questions and advise you on the next steps.

Our online provider directory is helpful for finding a Baptist Health doctor.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Infectious Diseases Care at Baptist Health
Preventing Infectious Disease
Does Measles Affect Pregnancy?
What Is the Bird Flu?
What Are mRNA Vaccines?