Measles

Measles is a virus that spreads quickly from person to person. Measles can be dangerous for babies, young children, and people with weak immune systems. Many children with cancer, sickle cell disease and other serious disorders have weak immune systems.

About 1 out of 4 people who get measles need hospital care. Measles can be deadly.

Symptoms of measles

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Loss of appetite
• Pinkeye
• Rash. The rash usually lasts 5–6 days. It begins at the hairline, moves to the face and upper neck, and then moves down the rest of the body.

Measles is diagnosed by a blood or throat test.

How measles spreads

Measles spreads through the air by droplets that contain the virus. It passes easily from person to person. Measles can spread from 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after it appears.

If you or your child have been near someone with measles, then you have been exposed to the virus.

When symptoms start

• After being exposed, it takes about 10–12 days to see the first symptom, which is usually fever.
• The rash usually appears about 14 days after being exposed. That is 2–3 days after the fever starts.
• It can take 7–21 days for the rash to appear.

How to prevent measles

The MMR vaccine contains live strains of measles, mumps, and rubella. The strains in the vaccine are weaker than the actual virus, and they are harmless to people with normal immune systems. Babies usually get the first MMR dose after their first birthday.

Children with weak immune systems cannot get the MMR vaccine because it contains live virus. When all other family members get the MMR, it helps provide a circle of protection around the patient.

What to do if you're exposed

• If you or your child has been exposed to measles or has symptoms, call before going to your clinic or hospital. This will help avoid putting other people at risk.
• If the exposed person has not had the MMR vaccine, getting the vaccine within 72 hours of being exposed might prevent the disease.

For more information

If you have questions about measles or the MMR vaccine, please talk to your child’s doctor or nurse.