Measles

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread to others when a person infected with measles speaks, coughs, sneezes or breaths and it can linger in the air up to two hours after the infected person has left the area.

It is a viral illness that impacts your nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after contact with the virus. The quarantine period from exposure is 3 weeks (21 days). Quarantine can be avoided with immunity.  (Take the quiz at the bottom of the page to check your immunity)

Typical symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose 
• Red, watery eyes 
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots) 2-3 days after symptoms begin
• Rash: starts on the face 3-5 days after the first symptoms and spreads to other parts of the body  

About the Vaccine

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine has proven over many decades to be effective at helping your body stay healthy against measles. The vaccine gives your immune system, the system in your body that helps fight illnesses, a cheat sheet that trains your immunity early. So, when the virus enters your body, it has a head start and knows how to keep you healthy.

The MMR vaccine is available at your health care provider and area pharmacies (call to confirm).

Key Takeaways

1. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is effective. Two doses provide 97% protection against measles. Now is the time to check your vaccination or immunity status and get vaccinated if needed. 
2. Measles is very contagious. Measles spreads when someone infected speaks, coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It can linger in the air up to two hours after the infected person has left.   
3. Unvaccinated people are at high risk. Roughly 90% of those unvaccinated and exposed to measles will contract the disease. 
4. Stay home and away from others if you are sick. Call your medical provider before going in to prevent spread.