Measles

Measles (Rubeola) is a very contagious respiratory disease that can cause fever, rash, and cold-like symptoms and can cause serious illness for some people. Due to decreasing MMR vaccination rates, we are seeing new outbreaks of measles in the United States.

Download our 2025 flyers for updates on the current outbreak and protective actions.

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How It Spreads

The measles virus can live for up to 2 hours in the air. You can catch measles by:

  • Being near a sick person who is coughing or sneezing
  • Touching surfaces that have been coughed or sneezed on
  • Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after being near a sick person

How to Protect Yourself - Vaccination

Children should get 2 doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines. The first dose is given between 12-15 months of age and the second dose is given at 4-6 years of age. Adults who have never had the vaccine or have been exposed to measles should receive at least 1 dose.

Travel Risk: Infants who are 6-11 months of age should receive at least 1 dose if traveling internationally. Travelers over 12 years of age should get 2 doses, separated by at least 28 days.

Symptoms

Symptoms can appear 10 to 14 days after becoming infected.

  • Early symptoms (about 4 days): fever, cough, runny nose, and red/watery eyes
  • Rash appears (around day 4): a rash can spread from the face down the body. You are still contagious before the rash appears.
  • People may experience:
    • High fever
    • Cough
    • Runny nose
    • Red/watery eyes
    • White spots in the mouth
    • Skin rash
  • Complications: Some people may have complications, such as ear infection, diarrhea, pneumonia, and brain swelling, which can lead to hearing loss or mental health conditions.  Unvaccinated young children and pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing complications.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for measles, but there are steps you can take to reduce the spread.

  • Call your health care provider immediately if you have symptoms.
  • If you have measles, you should isolate from others according to your doctor's instructions.

Prevention

Like many respiratory virus infections, you can protect yourself and others by washing your hands with soap and water frequently and staying home if you feel sick.