What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. It can lead to serious and sometimes fatal complications, especially in children. Fortunately, measles is a vaccine-preventable illness.

How does measles spread?

Measles spreads from person to person through the air from respiratory droplets in breathing, coughing or sneezing. The virus can live for two hours on surfaces or suspended in the air. Someone who enters a room where someone with measles had been earlier can catch the disease. The virus can also travel along air currents and infect people in another room.

How do measles outbreaks happen?

Most measles cases in the U.S. occur in unvaccinated people. Outbreaks usually start with an initial case related to international travel that then spreads to unvaccinated close contacts upon return.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Common signs of measles infection include a high fever and rash that usually appears three to five days after the first symptoms. It starts on the head and spreads down to the rest of the body.

In addition to a fever and rash, other measles symptoms may include:

• Cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.

• Small spots in the cheek area inside the mouth, called Koplik spots.

• Diarrhea.

Measles can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), deafness, intellectual disability and even death.

Are there any treatments for measles?

There are no specific treatments for measles. Management involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms and manage complications like pneumonia.

Why is vaccination so important?

Measles is highly contagious. Nine out of every 10 unvaccinated people exposed to measles will develop an infection.

Outbreaks, therefore, usually occur among unvaccinated individuals or infants who have not yet had the opportunity to be vaccinated.

How effective is the measles vaccine (MMR)?

One dose of MMR or measles, mumps, rubella vaccine is 93% effective against measles.

Two doses are 97% effective. This immunity is generally considered life-long.

Is the MMR vaccine safe?

Yes. Getting the MMR vaccine is much safer than getting the virus. Common side effects of the MMR vaccine are generally mild and temporary. It is important to note that extensive, large-scale international studies have shown that MMR does NOT cause autism.

What are current recommendations for vaccination in children?

Children receive two doses of MMR, the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second at 4-6 years old.

Where can I get the MMR vaccine if a dose is indicated?

Most PCP practices, as well as our Pediatric offices, have MMR in stock. Contact your PCP or Pediatrician to schedule an appointment.

How do I protect my baby from measles before they are able to get vaccinated?

• Maternal antibodies, both those transferred across the placenta during pregnancy and from breastfeeding, provide young infants some protection. These antibodies can protect against many communicable diseases, including measles if the mother has had the MMR vaccine or is immune from a prior infection.

• If under 6 months of age, avoid potential exposures, use proper hand hygiene.

• If 6-12 months of age and exposed to someone with measles, early vaccination can be given.

What is considered adequate immunity to measles in adults?

Evidence of immunity is defined as meeting any one of the following criteria:

• Written documentation of at least one dose of measles vaccine after 1968.

• Laboratory confirmation of disease.

• Laboratory evidence of immunity.

• Birth before 1957 (due to the likelihood of infection or exposure as a child).

What if I do not have written documentation of my vaccine history?

If you were vaccinated in the past but do not have written proof, consider an additional dose of MMR based on your year of birth.

• Birth between 1957-1968: You may have gotten a less effective version of the measles vaccine and should receive at least one dose of current MMR (two may be indicated if you fall into a “special group” as below).

• Birth between 1969-1989: You may have gotten only one dose as a child and should consider a second dose.

• Birth after 1989: You should have gotten two doses as a child, so no additional doses are needed.