Measles
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and others breathe that air.
Measles is a Highly Contagious Virus that Cannot be Treated Medically
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and others breathe that air. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen even up to 2 hours after that person has left.
It is so contagious that if one person has it, 9 out of 10 people of all ages around him or her will also become infected if those people are not vaccinated.
Visit the CDC's About Measles webpage for more information about measles, including symptoms, complications, and vaccine recommendations.
Measles Risk is Higher when Traveling Abroad; Protect Your Family Before You Leave.
Every year, unvaccinated people get measles while traveling abroad and bring it back to the United States. Measles is just a plane ride away. Since measles is still common in many countries, unvaccinated travelers continue to get measles in other countries and bring it into the United States and spread it to others.
Before traveling internationally, check with your provider to make sure you and your family are up to date on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. For the best protection, get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before traveling:
- Infants 6-11 months old get an early dose immediately, then follow the recommended schedule:
- Children over 12 months old get first dose immediately then get second dose 28 days after first dose.
- Teens & adults with no evidence of immunity get first dose immediately then get second dose 28 days after first dose.
Learn how to prepare for travel, what to do while traveling to reduce risk, and what to do when you get home on the Plan for Travel page from the CDC.
Symtoms
Measles symptoms appear 7-14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include
- high fever (may spike to more than 104° F),
- cough
- runny nose (coryza)
- red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- rash
There is no medical treatment or cure for measles. Symptoms can be eased through rest, hydration, and fever-reducing drugs.
Vaccinations
The best protection against measles is a two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine that is typically given to children before the age of 6:
- Children get the first dose between 12 and 15 months old and get the second dose between 4 and 6 years old.
- Older children, adolescents, & adults also need 1 or 2 doses of MMR vaccine if they don't have evidence of immunity—check with your provider if you do not know if you have either gotten the vaccine or been infected with measles. Doses should be separated at least 28 days apart.