Measles is an infection that spreads quickly. It causes a fever and rash. It was once common in children. It is now less common in the United States due to the use of the measles vaccine.
Measles is caused by a virus. It is spread by:
Measles can be spread:
Your risk may be higher if you:
Measles symptoms start 10 to 12 days after exposure. They are:
You will get better 7 to 10 days from the start of the rash.
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It can be diagnosed based on symptoms. Lab tests aren’t needed.
Measles is caused by a virus. It can’t be treated with antibiotics. The focus is on rest and comfort measures such as:
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent measles. It comes as a single vaccine or with:
In some cases, the MMR vaccine is given within 3 days after exposure. This can prevent or lessen symptoms. Immune globulin is given to certain unvaccinated people within 6 days of exposure. This is usually for infants and pregnant women.
If you or someone in your family gets measles, people in the home may need to be vaccinated or given immune globulin.
If you are not vaccinated, avoid being around someone who has measles. Recent outbreaks have occurred in Europe and the United States. They may be due to children who are not vaccinated. Talk to your doctor about the vaccine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society
Public Health Agency of Canada
Bellini WJ, Rota JS, Lowe LE, et al. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: more cases of this fatal disease are prevented by measles immunization than was previously recognized. J Infect Dis. 2005;192(10):1686-1693.
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Measles. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116399/Measles. Updated May 14, 2018. Accessed July 17 ,2018.
Measles. World Health Organization website. Available at: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs286/en/. Updated February 19, 2018. Accessed July 17, 2018.
Measles (rubeola). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/measles-rubeola.htm. Updated May 31, 2017. Accessed July 17, 2018.
Peter G, Gardner P. Standards for immunization practice for vaccines in children and adults. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2001;15:9-19.
5/27/2011 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance https://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116399/Measles: Measles—United States, January—May 20, 2011. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2011;60(20)666-668.
Last reviewed May 2018 by James Cornell, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.