Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears, and up to four days afterwards. If a person with measles visited a room, you can get measles just by entering that same room, even up to two hours after that person has left. Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication.
Measles can be dangerous, especially for infants and children younger than 5 years old, adults older than 20 years, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. In recent years, one to three out of every 1,000 measles cases in developed countries have been fatal. The risk of severe disease from measles for people who are up to date on their vaccines is very low.
Measles Prevention
The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles. You are also considered immune if you were born in the United States before 1957.
What to do if you suspect measles in your household
If you think you may have measles, call your doctor. Call ahead before arriving at any medical facility if you:
- Have a measles-like rash, or have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days
AND - Have any other symptoms of measles (such as fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes)
The medical facility will make a plan with you to avoid exposing other people in the waiting rooms.
For more information about measles, visit Oregon Health Authority's Measles/Rubeola (vaccine-preventable) page.