Measles: Facts & Information

Protect yourself from Measles – Learn about symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of this disease.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It is spread to others mainly through coughing and sneezing. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected.

  • high fever (may spike to more than 104°),
  • cough,
  • runny nose
  • red, watery eye
  • 2-3 days after symptoms begin: Tiny white spots, Koplik spots, may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.

3-5 days after symptoms begin:

  • The rash begins, a rash breaks out. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
  • The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.
  • When the rash appears, a person’s fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.

This can be prevented with MMR vaccine. The vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.

Two doses of MMR vaccine provide 97% protection – one dose provides 93% protection. Contact us today to see your options!

Schedule Infographic:

Measles

Resource: Center for Disease Control and Prevention