Measles is a contagious disease that causes fever, a red rash, cough and red eyes. It can have serious complications such as encephalitis, which itself can cause hearing loss. You can prevent measles by getting vaccinated.
Measles is an airborne disease caused by a virus, and it’s very contagious. Symptoms may develop about eight to 12 days after you’re exposed. Symptoms can last 10 to 14 days.
Measles is also called rubeola, 10-day measles or red measles. It’s not the same as German measles, or rubella.
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Measles (rubeola) and German measles (rubella) are similar in some ways. They have some symptoms in common, such as fever, sore throat and rash. However, the virus that causes measles is different than the virus that causes German measles.
German measles is very serious for those who are pregnant. This condition can cause the person to miscarry or can cause birth defects in the baby. Both viral diseases can be prevented by getting one vaccine.
Anyone who isn’t vaccinated can get measles. Before the measles vaccine was available, almost everyone got measles. If you have had measles or were vaccinated against measles, you’re more likely to be immune to the measles virus. (You can still get atypical or modified measles after the vaccine.)
Due to a successful vaccination program, measles in the U.S. was virtually eliminated by 2000. Now, however, there’ve been outbreaks due to a significant number of parents who decide against vaccinating their children. Unvaccinated international travelers have always posed a risk, but the risk is lessened by making sure you get vaccinated.
The most common symptoms of measles include:
Other symptoms of measles may include:
The rash starts out as flat red spots on the face and then moves downward over the body. Then smaller raised white spots may appear on top of the red rash. The spots might join together as the rash goes down the body.
Measles is caused by an extremely contagious virus called morbillivirus. In fact, if 10 people who weren’t vaccinated were in a room with someone with measles, nine of those people would get measles. Measles is spread by:
The airborne respiratory droplets can remain in the room even after the person with measles is gone.
It can take six to 21 days to develop symptoms of measles after you’ve been infected. This is the incubation period. You’re contagious about four days before you develop a rash to about four days after the rash starts.
Your healthcare provider will probably be able to diagnose measles by examining you. However, they may order laboratory tests to find the virus in samples of:
There’s no cure for measles. The virus must run its course, which usually takes about 10 to 14 days.
You can do some things that might make you feel better, such as:
Note: Never give aspirin to children or teenagers unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
There are many complications associated with measles, some of them very serious. Complications happen most often in:
Complications of measles include:
There are two types of vaccines that protect against measles: the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and the measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) vaccine.
For children, the MMR vaccine is often given in two shots. The first shot is given around the age of 12 to 15 months, and the second around 4 or 5 years of age. If a child hasn’t been immunized, measles can still be prevented by receiving the vaccine within three days of exposure to the virus.
If you’re an adult and you’re unsure about whether you’ve been vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider about getting the vaccine. It’s especially important if you are planning to travel internationally.
This vaccine is only available for children ages 12 months to 12 years of age. Your child should get one shot between 12 and 15 months. Your child should get the second shot between 4 and 6 years. However, the second shot can be given three months after the first shot. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about the best timing for your child.
Pregnant people shouldn’t get a measles vaccine. There may be other reasons why you shouldn’t get one, such as an immune system disease or an allergic reaction to a previous vaccine. There may be reasons why you should wait to get one. It’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider and to answer all the questions they ask about your medical history.
The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. People who work in a healthcare facility should wear personal protective equipment that includes masks, gowns and clothes when they are in contact with body fluids. You should wash your hands before and after putting on gloves.
People who work with children or who are in other industries are encouraged to avoid physical contact with sick people and to practice good hand washing technique. Follow the guidelines of your employer.
The outcome is excellent for most cases of measles. Once the disease passes, you’ll most likely be protected against getting measles again. In cases where there are severe complications, the outlook for long-term problems are less certain and vary on a case-by-case basis.
You should wait at least four days after you get the rash to go back to work or school.
Contact your healthcare provider if you think you or your child have come into contact with someone with measles. If you or your child has measles, and seem to be getting worse and not better, call your provider.
It’s believed that the rinderpest virus in cattle jumped to humans in the time around 600 B.C. This virus became the measles virus.
If you’re pregnant and you think you’ve been exposed to measles, you should contact your healthcare provider.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you’re exposed to measles, you should contact your healthcare provider. While most cases of measles may be uncomfortable, you can treat the symptoms. However, other cases of measles can result in serious complications, including death. Measles can be avoided by getting the safe vaccines available for adults and children.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/25/2021.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy