What is the best way to prevent measles?

Getting the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent measles.

• You are considered immune to measles if you have written proof of 2 valid doses of MMR vaccine, or other live, measles-containing vaccine.
• You are also considered immune to measles if you have a written lab report of immunity, or you were born before 1957.
• Anyone who lacks proof of measles immunity, as defined above, should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for some groups of adults. This includes health care personnel, college students, and international travelers. The doses should be given at least 28 days apart.

What if I don't know if I'm vaccinated against measles?

Talk to your health care provider. If you were born before 1957 it's likely that you have been exposed to the virus and are immune. Ask your doctor if you've been properly vaccinated.

How well does the MMR vaccine work?

Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

What is measles?

Measles is a serious respiratory disease that causes a rash and fever. It is very contagious. People with measles spread the virus by coughing or sneezing into the air. You can catch the disease just by entering a room that an infected person visited two hours before.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after exposure but can take as long as 21 days. The first symptoms are usually:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red watery eyes
• Rash
  • Small red spots, some of which are slightly raised.
  • Spots and bumps in tight clusters give the skin a splotchy red appearance.
  • Usually appears 2 to 4 days after the fever begins and lasts 5 to 6 days.
  • Begins at the hairline, moves to the face and neck, down the body and then to the arms and legs.

What are the complications of measles?

A small number of people who get measles will need to be hospitalized and could die. Many people with measles have complications such as diarrhea, ear infections or pneumonia. They can also get a brain infection that can lead to permanent brain damage. Measles during pregnancy increases the risk of early labor, miscarriage and low birth weight infants. Measles can be more severe in people with weak immune systems.

How long is a person with measles contagious?

A person with measles can pass it to others from 4 days before a rash appears through the 4th day after the rash appears.

Is there a treatment for measles?

There is no treatment but acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be taken to reduce a fever. People with measles also need bed rest and fluids. They also may need treatment for complications such as diarrhea, an ear infection or pneumonia.

If my child or another family member has been exposed to measles, what should I do?

Immediately call your local health department, doctor or clinic for advice. Never been vaccinated? Get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine within 3 days of being exposed. This may prevent you from getting measles. Some people may need an immune globulin shot -- antibodies to the measles virus. It should be given within 6 days of being exposed. This may prevent or lessen the severity of measles.

We recommend that all children get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine.

• Children should get their first MMR shot at 12 through 15 months old (as soon as possible within this time period). The second dose may be given as soon as 28 days after the first dose. But it is usually given between 4 and 6 years of age.
• An early dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for children 6-11 months of age who will be traveling internationally and who are in an outbreak area. These children will still need the 2 routine doses given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age to ensure protection. They will receive a total of 3 MMR vaccines.

What are the MMR vaccine requirements for school attendance?

• For pre-kindergarten including day care, Head Start or nursery school: one dose of MMR vaccine
• Kindergarten to grade 12: two doses of MMR vaccine
• College: two doses of MMR vaccine

What should I or my family members do to prevent measles if we are traveling out of the country?

Measles is still common in many other countries. Make sure that you and your children are fully vaccinated before traveling out of the U.S.

• Children, adults and adolescents should have two doses of MMR vaccine, at least 28 days apart.
• An early dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for children 6-12 months of age who will be traveling internationally and who are in an outbreak area. This dose does not count as part of the routine doses given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age. These children will need a total of 3 MMR vaccinations.