What You Need to Know About Symptoms, Prevention and Vaccination

Measles is highly contagious, but it is also preventable. Understanding the symptoms, risks, and recommended vaccinations can help protect you, your family, and your community.

Although measles is relatively rare in the United States thanks to widespread vaccination, cases still occur, often associated with international travel or outbreaks in communities with lower vaccination rates.

Because measles spreads so easily, knowing what to watch for and ensuring your family is appropriately vaccinated are important steps in preventing illness.

What Is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system and causes a distinctive rash.

While many people associate measles with a childhood rash, the illness can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), and, in severe cases, death.

Young children and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to serious complications.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Measles

Measles symptoms typically begin with signs that resemble a common respiratory infection.

Early symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Runny nose
• Persistent cough
• Fatigue or unusual sleepiness
• Loss of appetite
• Red, irritated eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Sensitivity to light
• Small white spots inside the mouth, known as Koplik spots

As the illness progresses, a distinctive red, blotchy rash usually appears.

The rash typically begins on the face or near the hairline before spreading downward across the body. It often appears around the fourth day of illness and may last approximately four to five days.

Fever may also increase as the rash develops.

Important: If you or a family member develops symptoms consistent with measles, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Call ahead before visiting a medical office to help prevent exposing others.

How Does Measles Spread?

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases.

The virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Another important concern is that people with measles can spread the virus before realizing they are sick.

An infected person may be contagious approximately four days before the rash appears and for four days after it begins.

This makes early recognition, vaccination, and appropriate isolation essential to limiting the spread of measles.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Anyone who is not adequately protected against measles can become infected.

However, certain groups face a greater risk of complications, including:

• Children younger than five years old
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• Pregnant women
• People who have not received recommended measles vaccinations

Measles during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications, including miscarriage and premature delivery.

MMR Vaccination: Your Best Protection Against Measles

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and highly effective way to prevent measles.

Vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps reduce the spread of the virus throughout the community.

The recommended vaccination schedule depends on a person's age, vaccination history, and potential exposure risks.

MMR Vaccine Recommendations by Age

Infants 6–11 Months

MMR vaccination is not routinely recommended before 12 months of age. However, infants as young as six months may receive an early dose when traveling internationally or when public health officials recommend vaccination during an outbreak.

Infants who receive an early dose must still receive the two routinely recommended doses after their first birthday.

Children 1–6 Years

The routine MMR vaccination schedule includes two doses:

• First dose: 12–15 months of age
• Second dose: 4–6 years of age

In certain circumstances, the second dose may be administered earlier, provided at least 28 days have passed since the first dose.

Children and Adolescents 7–18 Years

Children and teenagers who have not received the recommended two doses should receive catch-up vaccinations.

When two doses are needed, they should be administered at least 28 days apart.

Adults

Adults born after 1957 who have not received the MMR vaccine generally should receive at least one dose.

Certain adults may need two doses, including those who:

• Attend college or other postsecondary educational institutions
• Work or volunteer in healthcare facilities
• Travel internationally, including on cruise ships
• Have close contact with individuals with compromised immune systems
• Have HIV infection without severe immunosuppression

Adults vaccinated between 1963 and 1967 may also need to review their vaccination history. During that period, a small percentage of individuals received an older, inactivated measles vaccine that is no longer used.

If you are uncertain about your vaccination history, speak with your healthcare provider.

Pregnant Women

The MMR vaccine should not be administered during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss their vaccination history and protection against measles with their healthcare provider.

Planning to Travel? Check Your Vaccination Status

Measles remains more common in many parts of the world, making international travel an important consideration.

Before traveling, especially with young children, review your family's MMR vaccination history.

Infants between six and eleven months may need an early MMR dose, while unvaccinated older children, teenagers, and adults may need two doses at least 28 days apart.

Consult your healthcare provider well before departure to ensure you have sufficient time to receive recommended vaccinations.

What Should You Do If You've Been Exposed to Measles?

If you believe you or a family member has been exposed to measles, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Do not wait for symptoms to develop.

Your healthcare provider can evaluate your vaccination history, assess your risk, and determine whether testing or other preventive measures are necessary.

If you are experiencing symptoms, call before visiting a healthcare facility so staff can take appropriate precautions to protect other patients.

How Is Measles Treated?

Because measles is caused by a virus, antibiotics do not cure the infection.

There is no specific antiviral medication routinely used to cure measles. Treatment generally focuses on relieving symptoms, monitoring for complications, and providing supportive care.

Serious cases may require hospitalization, particularly when complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis develop.

Prevention through vaccination remains the most effective approach.

Protecting Yourself, Your Family, and Your Community

Measles can spread quickly, but vaccination offers strong, long-lasting protection.

Taking a few simple steps can make a meaningful difference:

• Review your family's vaccination records.
• Make sure children receive their recommended MMR doses.
• Discuss catch-up vaccinations with your healthcare provider if needed.
• Check vaccination recommendations before international travel.
• Stay informed about measles outbreaks in your area.
• Contact a healthcare professional immediately if you suspect exposure.

Have Questions About Measles or the MMR Vaccine?

Your healthcare provider can help you understand your vaccination history, determine whether additional protection is recommended, and answer questions about measles prevention.

Staying informed and up to date on recommended vaccinations helps protect not only your own health but also the health of those around you.

For additional information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's measles resource center.