What is measles?
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection that causes cough, fever, runny nose and a distinctive red rash. The measles virus spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Preventable through the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. However, recent measles outbreaks have occurred due to declining childhood immunization rates.
Measles symptoms
Measles symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after exposure to the virus. A typical case of measles often starts with flu-like symptoms before progressing to a widespread rash.
Key symptoms of measles include:
- Mild to moderate fever, which may spike above 104°F
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red or watery eyes
- Sore throat
- Fatigue and body aches
- Small white spots inside the mouth (known as Koplik’s spots)
- Red or reddish-brown rash that starts on the face and spreads downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs and feet
If you think you’ve been exposed to someone with measles, you can use our Help Me Decide tool in the MyBSWHealth app to speak to a care guide. You can also check your symptoms and schedule a virtual care visit.
When to see a doctor
If you have symptoms of measles, immediately contact your healthcare provider to schedule a virtual care visit and isolate yourself and any symptomatic family members to prevent further transmission. Pregnant women, infants and children under five years old are at higher risk for complications, so scheduling a virtual care visit is especially important for these people.
If you are experiencing a true medical emergency, such as shortness of breath or confusion, go straight to the emergency room.
Measles risk factors
Certain factors can increase the risk of contracting measles. Since the virus spreads easily, being in close contact with an infected person significantly increases your risk of infection.
Being unvaccinated is the biggest risk for contracting measles, as the MMR vaccine provides strong protection for your entire life.
Other groups who are at greater risk for contracting measles include:
- Infants and children under the age of five
- Adults older than 20 years old
- Pregnant women
- Those with a weakened immune system due to illness or medical treatments
How is measles spread?
Extremely contagious, measles is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In fact, measles is so infectious that 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to an infected person will likely catch the virus.
The virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, making it easy to contract by breathing in contaminated air or touching infected surfaces and then touching your face. You can spread measles to others starting four days before you start to experience symptoms and up to four days after the rash develops.
You can catch measles by:
- Sharing food or drinks with an infected person
- Close contact or physical touch, such as kissing, handshakes, hugs or holding hands
- Touching contaminated surfaces and rubbing your eyes, nose or mouth
- Transmission from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth or through breastfeeding
Measles complications
Complications from measles can happen to anyone, however, measles can be especially dangerous for babies and young children. In some cases, complications can be severe, leading to hospitalization, and can be fatal.
Complications from measles include:
- Diarrhea
- Ear infections
- Encephalitis, an infection causing swelling of the brain
- Pneumonia or breathing difficulties
- Blindness
- In pregnant women, babies may be premature or born with low birth weight
Diagnosing measles
Measles diagnosis requires careful clinical assessment by a healthcare provider, as well as confirmation through blood, saliva or urine samples. Early identification is crucial for implementing proper isolation measures and protecting vulnerable people
Your provider will typically follow these steps when diagnosing measles:
Measles treatment
It's important to understand that there’s no cure for measles. Measles is a viral infection that needs to run its course (typically 10 to 14 days). Here's how to take care of yourself or a loved one with measles:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain, discomfort and fever
- Rest as much as possible
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Try gargling with salt water to soothe a sore throat
- Reduce eye discomfort by avoiding bright lights
- Stay home from work or school
- You can usually return to normal activities after having the rash for 4 days
- Unvaccinated household members should avoid contact with the infected person
If symptoms worsen or you're concerned about complications, contact your healthcare provider.
Measles prevention
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles is by getting vaccinated. The measles vaccine is proven to be safe and highly effective at preventing the virus. Once you receive the vaccine, your body builds strong immunity, which means you’re very unlikely to ever get sick with measles.
Staying up to date on your vaccines not only helps keep you healthy but also protects those around you—especially babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems who are more vulnerable to serious complications from measles.