What to Know About Measles

It’s important to know basic facts about measles so you can protect your family.

• Measles is a highly contagious virus. It can spread in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes; and it can spread after someone touches an infected surface.
• Symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after contact with the virus and include a high fever (104º F or higher), cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a red, blotchy skin rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body.
• Infected individuals can be contagious up to 4 days before symptoms appear and up to 4 days after symptoms are gone.
• Those at higher risk are individuals who have not received the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, especially children under the age of 5, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
• There is no specific treatment for a measles infection. To avoid serious complications, contact your physician for help managing symptoms.

If you think you or someone in your family has symptoms consistent with measles or has been exposed to measles, contact your doctor immediately.

Protection from measles:

• Make sure children and adults in your household have had the MMR vaccine or booster. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles when two doses are given.
• Use other health precautions such as wearing a mask when you are ill, washing your hands, and disinfecting surfaces when you or someone in your household is ill.
• If you experience symptoms consistent with measles, isolate yourself while you are awaiting testing or results to avoid spreading the virus.

If you have questions about your immunity to measles, please contact your primary care physician.

OSU Medicine