Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that typically causes a rash and fever. Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children under 5. Adults over 20 years of age, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are also more likely to suffer from measles complications. Severe complications can include pneumonia (a serious lung infection), encephalitis (swelling of the brain), deafness, and other long-term consequences. In rare cases, measles can be deadly. About 1 in 5 people in the United States who get measles may be hospitalized.

Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000 thanks to a highly effective vaccination program. However, the U.S. is at risk for losing this status due to ongoing outbreaks nationwide. Measles remains common in many parts of the world. Outbreaks can occur in the U.S. if measles is brought into the country by unvaccinated travelers, including both Americans and foreign visitors, who get sick while they are in other countries.

Measles typically starts with cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a fever that can get very high. Three to five days after these symptoms begin, a rash will begin to develop. The rash looks like tiny, red spots that start at the head and spread down to the rest of the body. If you think you or your child might have measles, call your healthcare provider immediately.

Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can catch measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been, up to 2 hours after that person has left. Infected people can spread measles to others four days before they have a measles rash and four days after the rash appears. Someone who has not had the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (called the MMR vaccine) or a prior infection is highly likely to get measles if they are exposed to the measles virus.

If you have been exposed to someone who has measles, you should immediately call your healthcare provider and let them know. Your healthcare provider can determine if you are immune and can make special arrangements to evaluate you without putting other patients or medical staff at risk.

If you are not immune to measles, the MMR vaccine (given within 72 hours of first exposure) or a medicine called immune globulin may help reduce your risk of developing measles. Your healthcare provider can advise you about whether these are necessary.

Kansas statute (K.A.R. 28-1-6) says that people who are exposed to measles and not immune should stay home (quarantine) and not attend work, school, child care or adult day care for 21 days following the last exposure to an infectious case. They may return to normal activities on the 22nd day. It’s also recommended to avoid group and social activities, sports and recreation events and public places like movie theaters and shopping malls. Quarantine is a crucial part of preventing measles from spreading in the community, particularly among high-risk individuals.

If you are immunized against measles or have other proof of immunity to measles, you do not need to quarantine and may continue with your normal activities.

If you become ill with measles-like symptoms, seek medical attention but remember to call your healthcare provider before going to the medical office and inform them that you were exposed to someone with measles and/or that you have symptoms of measles so that special arrangements can be made to prevent exposure to other patients and medical office staff. 

Anyone with a suspected or confirmed case of measles should isolate at home for four days following the onset of rash (counting the day of rash onset as zero), except when seeking medical care, per Kansas statute (K.A.R. 28-1-6). Measles is considered transmissible from 4 days before through 4 days after rash onset.

While you are sick, it is best to limit contact with those in your household and wear a mask when in common rooms. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, going to the bathroom or having contact with tissues, diapers and used masks. A minimum of 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used when soap and water are not available.

Get rest and eat nutritious foods as you're able. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Over-the-counter medications may help reduce fever and achiness. Read the labels carefully or ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the right dose. 

Seek healthcare guidance and evaluation for any measles complications, such as pneumonia or worsening symptoms.

Measles is caused by a virus, so antibiotics won’t work. There is no specific antiviral therapy that is FDA-approved for the treatment of measles either. Medical care is generally supportive and helps to relieve symptoms. 

If you are unsure whether you or your child has received the MMR vaccine, contact your healthcare provider or our immunization nurses to discuss your or your child’s immunization records. If you are a JCDHE client, we can provide you a copy of your immunization records. Send a request to our medical records department.

Immunization records can be searched using the Kansas WebIZ Public Portal at myvaccinerecord.ks.gov. If you would like assistance finding your record, call the Kansas Immunization Program at 1-877-296-0464 (option 1) or email KDHE Immunization Registry. Assistance is available Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

If you were vaccinated outside of Kansas, you may need to request your record from the immunization program in the state where you were vaccinated or your healthcare provider’s office. The school or college you attended may also have copies of your immunization records.

The MMR vaccine is very safe and it is effective at preventing measles (as well as mumps and rubella). Most children don’t have any side effects from the MMR shot. If side effects do occur, they are usually mild and can include fever, pain or redness where the shot was given, or mild rash.

Scientists in the United States and other countries have carefully studied the MMR vaccine and have found no link between autism and the MMR vaccine.

Vitamin A does not prevent or cure a measles infection and is not a substitute for vaccination. Healthcare providers may recommend vitamin A for those hospitalized with a severe measles infection or who are vitamin A deficient. In these instances, vitamin A doses should always be administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider as too much can be toxic and lead to other health problems.