Measles

Overview

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for up to 2 hours. Up to 9 in 10 unvaccinated people near someone with measles will catch it.

People are contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears. Outbreaks happen where many people aren't vaccinated.

Symptoms

Symptoms start 1 to 2 weeks after exposure.

• High fever
• Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
• A rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body

Less common

• Tiny white spots inside the cheeks
• Diarrhea
• Ear infection

How it usually goes

• Days 1 to 4: Fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
• Days 3 to 5: Rash starts at the hairline and spreads down.
• About a week later: The rash fades in the same order it appeared.

When to get medical care

Causes

The measles virus spreads through the air and on surfaces.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: the air.
• Washing hands often and staying home when sick help protect others.

Who is more likely to get it

• Not being vaccinated
• Babies too young for the vaccine
• International travel
• Pregnancy and weak immune systems, for severe illness

Possible complications

• Pneumonia: The most common cause of measles deaths in children
• Encephalitis: Brain swelling
• Ear infections and hearing loss

Diagnosis

Call ahead before going to a clinic so you don't expose others.

Questions you may be asked

• Vaccines you've had
• Travel or contact with someone with measles

The exam

They'll look at the rash and inside the mouth for tiny white spots.

Tests

Tests:

• Throat swab or blood test: Confirms measles.

Treatment

There's no antiviral for measles. Care focuses on comfort and preventing problems.

Self-care

• Rest and drink fluids
• Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever (no aspirin for children)
• Stay home and away from others until 4 days after the rash starts

Medicines

Prevention is the best medicine.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Doctors give vitamin A to children with measles. People exposed may get the MMR vaccine within 3 days or antibodies within 6 days to prevent or soften illness.

Prevention

The MMR vaccine prevents measles:

• 2 doses for children
• Adults without proof of immunity should get vaccinated
• Babies 6 to 11 months traveling abroad can get an early dose

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an infectious disease specialist, for hard-to-treat infections.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Stay home until 4 days after the rash started, or as your health department says.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Pregnancy: Measles can cause miscarriage or early birth. The MMR vaccine isn't given during pregnancy, so get it before.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most people recover in 2 to 3 weeks, but measles can be deadly. Vaccination is the best protection.

Getting ready for your visit

Call first so the clinic can protect others.

What to bring

• Vaccine records

Questions to ask

• When can we go back to school or work?
• Who else needs a vaccine?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Measles