Measles

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Measles is a disease caused by the measles virus.

Measles is very contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected.

A person with measles can spread it to others before they know they have it.

A vaccine can prevent measles.

The best protection against measles is a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR or MMRV) vaccine.

Two doses of the measles vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. The vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles.

More about measles

Measles can be dangerous, especially for infants and young children.

One out of every four people who get measles in the United States will be hospitalized.

One or two out of every 1,000 children in the United States who get measles will die from the disease, even with the best care.

Measles can cause serious health problems, such as:

Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs.
Brain damage caused by swelling.
Deafness.

Symptoms

IMPORTANT: Seek medical care immediately if you or someone else are experiencing serious symptoms, like trouble breathing. If possible, call the hospital ahead of time and alert them that you suspect measles symptoms.

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus.

Common symptoms include:

A high fever (may spike to more than 104° F)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Rash

2–3 days after symptoms begin:

Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth.

3–5 days after symptoms begin: measles rash (see photo below)

Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline.

The rash then spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.

Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.
When the rash appears, a person's fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.

Measles rash

Read more:

How measles spreads

Testing and treatment

There is no specific treatment for measles.

If you have measles, it’s very important to stay home so you don’t spread measles to others.

If you're concerned about your symptoms, call your doctor.

Some groups of people are more likely to get seriously sick from measles, so it's important to know when you are no longer contagious. You can spread measles to others from 4 days before through 4 days after the rash appears.

Preventing measles

The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine!

The MMR is safe and effective. Doctors recommend two doses as the best way of preventing measles, mumps, and rubella.

One dose is about 93% effective at preventing measles. Two doses are about 97% effective.

Talk to your doctor about the MMR vaccine, especially if you are planning to travel in the future.

Do I need a measles booster?

Born before 1957: No. You were already exposed to measles and have immunity.
Born 1957–1988: Maybe. You should have received one dose. If you fit into one of the risk groups listed below, you should receive a second dose. Some vaccines used from 1963–1967 were inactive. If you got an inactive dose, you will need a vaccine. Check with your health care provider, and if in doubt, get a booster.
Born in 1989 or after: Maybe. If you've received two doses, you don't need a booster. However, if you received only one dose and are school aged or if you fit one of the risk groups below, you should receive a second dose.

Risk groups: Health care workers, college students, or people planning to travel internationally.

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