Measles
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can also catch it by touching surfaces with the virus on them and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Individuals who are immune to measles are not at risk of getting sick. You are considered immune if you:
- Received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Were born before January 1, 1957
- Had a confirmed case of measles in the past
- Had a blood test showing immunity
Individuals born before 1957 are likely immune to measles because they were exposed to the virus as children. If you were born between 1957 and 1971, talk with your doctor as vaccines given during that time may not have worked well.
Vaccination
Most people in New York have already been vaccinated.
To be fully protected, a person needs two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is usually given between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose is usually given between four and six years of age, but it can be given as soon as 28 days after the first dose.
If you’re not sure about your vaccination or the status of your child, talk to your doctor.
Measles can lead to serious health problems such as:
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
- Miscarriage or early birth
- Hospitalization
- Death
Symptoms
Measles symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure, but they can take up to 21 days to appear. Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
Three to five days after symptoms start, you may notice:
- A red rash, usually starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body
- Small, raised bumps on top of the red spots
- The rash can spread and merge together
- Fever may rise to over 104 degrees Fahrenheit when the rash appears
What to do during a measles outbreak:
- If you're unvaccinated, avoid crowds to protect yourself and others
- If you think you have measles, stay home and call your doctor
A person with measles can spread it to others from four days before the rash appears to four days after the rash appears. While measles is often thought of as a childhood disease, people of any age can get it. The best way to prevent measles is by being vaccinated.
If you think that you or your child have measles or been exposed to measles, contact your local Sun River Health location.
To schedule an appointment for vaccination or to discuss your immune status with your clinician, click here.
