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General Information About Measles (Rubeola)

Key Points 

  1. Measles can be serious. 
  2. Measles is very contagious (spreads easily).  
  3. You have the power to protect your child against measles with a safe and effective vaccine.
  4. Traveling internationally? The vaccine schedule is different if you or your child are traveling internationally.

What is Measles? 

Pronounced (MEE-zills)

Measles, also called rubeola, is a serious and very contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the symptoms of measles?

Some of the more common measles symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Red or pink watery eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Rash (3-5 days after symptoms begin)

To prevent the spread of illness, please contact your health care provider (doctor’s office, clinic, hospital) BEFORE going for care. This will help to prevent others at these facilities from being exposed to the illness.

Photos of Measles and People with Measles (Some of these photos might be unsuitable for children. Viewing discretion is advised.)

Related page: More information about measles signs and symptoms

What are the Complications of Measles?

Some people think of measles as just a little rash and fever that clears up in a few days, but measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years of age. There is no way to tell in advance how sick a person will get. 

  • About 1 in 5 people in the U.S. who get measles will be hospitalized.
  • 1 out of every 1,000 people with measles will develop brain swelling, which could lead to brain damage.
  • 1 to 3 out of 1,000 people with measles will die, even with the best care.
  • Ear infections occur in about 1 out of every 10 children with measles. 

Transmission (How does measles spread?)

Measles is very contagious.  It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. 

  • It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing.
  • If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected.

It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected. Your child can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been, even up to 2 hours after that person has left. 

Animals do not get or spread measles.

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.

All individuals who were exposed to measles and who do not know their vaccination status, are immunocompromised, or are pregnant should contact their health care provider immediately to discuss their situation. 

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.

Additional Information and Resources about Measles

Erie County

New York State

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

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