08/26/25 Public Health Education Topic: Measles

Per CDC

Key points

• Measles is very contagious and can be serious.

• Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk.

• Two doses of MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles.

Signs and symptoms

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:

• High fever (may spike to more than 104° F)

• Cough

• Runny nose (coryza)

• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

• Rash

Complications

Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years of age. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.

How it spreads

Measles is very contagious. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen even up to 2 hours after that person has left.

Prevention

Protect yourself with the vaccine. The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR is safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

Prevent measles and talk to your healthcare provider about the MMR vaccine, especially if planning to travel.

To learn more visit: About Measles | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC