Measles

What is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets carrying the virus can remain active for up to two hours. You can catch measles simply by being in a room where an infected person was recently present.

The measles virus attacks your respiratory system first, then spreads throughout your body. Before vaccines became widespread in the 1960s, measles infected nearly every child in the United States. Today, most cases occur in unvaccinated individuals or in communities with low vaccination rates.

Measles is not just a harmless childhood illness. It can cause serious complications including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. The virus also weakens your immune system for months after infection, making you vulnerable to other diseases. Vaccination has reduced measles cases by more than 99 percent compared to pre-vaccine era levels.

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Symptoms

High fever that can reach 104 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit
Dry cough that persists throughout the illness
Runny nose with clear or white discharge
Red, watery eyes that may be sensitive to light
Tiny white spots inside the mouth, called Koplik spots
Red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward
Sore throat and general body aches
Fatigue and feeling generally unwell

Symptoms typically appear 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The characteristic rash usually develops 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms appear. Most people are contagious from 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after it develops.

Causes and risk factors

Measles is caused by a single virus from the paramyxovirus family. The virus spreads when an infected person releases respiratory droplets into the air through coughing, sneezing, or even talking. You can become infected by breathing contaminated air or by touching a surface with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus is so contagious that 90 percent of unvaccinated people exposed to it will become infected.

Your risk increases if you are unvaccinated or have not had measles before. Traveling to areas with ongoing outbreaks raises your exposure risk. Vitamin A deficiency can make infections more severe and increase complication rates. Weakened immune systems from other conditions or medications also put you at higher risk. Infants too young for vaccination and pregnant women face particular danger from measles complications.

How it's diagnosed

Doctors typically diagnose measles based on the characteristic rash and symptoms. Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis by detecting measles antibodies or the virus itself. The presence of measles IgG antibodies generally indicates immunity from past infection or vaccination. High IgG levels in an unvaccinated person may suggest a recent or current infection.

Healthcare providers may also check vitamin A levels, since measles can deplete your body's stores of this important nutrient. This depletion can happen even in well-nourished individuals and may worsen symptoms or lead to complications. For specialized testing beyond routine wellness panels, talk to your doctor about the appropriate laboratory tests for your situation.

Treatment options

Rest at home and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration from fever
Use fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for comfort
Take vitamin A supplements as recommended by your doctor to reduce complications
Use a humidifier to ease cough and sore throat symptoms
Seek immediate medical care if breathing becomes difficult or fever stays very high
Watch for signs of complications like severe headache, confusion, or seizures
Follow up with your healthcare provider to monitor recovery progress

There is no specific antiviral medication that cures measles. Treatment focuses on supporting your body while it fights the infection. Most people recover within 2 to 3 weeks with proper rest and care. Prevention through vaccination remains the most effective approach to avoiding measles entirely.

Frequently asked questions

Measles symptoms typically appear 10 to 14 days after you are exposed to the virus. This period is called the incubation period. You can spread the virus to others starting about 4 days before the rash appears, often before you even know you are sick. The contagious period continues until about 4 days after the rash develops.

Yes, but it is rare. The measles vaccine is about 97 percent effective after two doses. A small percentage of vaccinated people may still get measles if exposed to the virus. However, vaccinated individuals who do get measles usually experience milder symptoms and are less likely to spread the disease to others.

Measles and German measles, also called rubella, are two completely different viral infections. Measles is caused by the rubeola virus and tends to be more severe with higher fevers and more complications. Rubella is caused by the rubella virus and typically causes milder symptoms. Both can be prevented with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Measles depletes your body's vitamin A stores, even if you are well-nourished before infection. Low vitamin A levels can worsen symptoms and increase your risk of serious complications like blindness and severe diarrhea. The World Health Organization recommends vitamin A supplementation for children with measles. Your doctor may recommend testing your vitamin A levels and providing supplements based on your individual needs.

Pneumonia is the most common cause of death from measles, especially in young children. Encephalitis, or brain swelling, occurs in about 1 in 1,000 cases and can cause permanent brain damage. Other serious complications include severe diarrhea, ear infections that can lead to hearing loss, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a rare but fatal brain disorder. Pregnant women who get measles face risks of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight babies.

A blood test can check for measles IgG antibodies to determine if you are immune. If you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, you are considered immune. Documentation of vaccination is usually sufficient proof of immunity. You are also considered immune if you were born before 1957 or if laboratory tests have confirmed a previous measles infection.

People with measles should stay isolated from others for at least 4 days after the rash first appears. This isolation period helps prevent spreading the virus to vulnerable individuals. If you have a weakened immune system, your doctor may recommend a longer isolation period. Remember that you can spread measles even before you know you have it, starting about 4 days before the rash develops.

Adults can definitely get measles, especially if they were never vaccinated or never had the disease. Adult cases of measles are often more severe than childhood cases. Adults face higher risks of complications including pneumonia and hospitalization. If you are unsure about your vaccination status or immunity, talk to your doctor about getting tested or receiving the MMR vaccine.

Yes, people with egg allergies can safely receive the MMR vaccine. While the vaccine is grown in chicken embryo cell culture, studies show it contains so little egg protein that allergic reactions are extremely rare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that people with egg allergies can receive MMR vaccine without any special precautions. Always inform your healthcare provider about any allergies before vaccination.

Contact your doctor immediately if you think you have been exposed to measles, especially if you are unvaccinated. The MMR vaccine given within 72 hours of exposure may provide some protection. Immune globulin given within 6 days of exposure can help prevent infection or reduce severity. Stay away from public places and call ahead before visiting any medical facility to prevent spreading the virus to others in waiting rooms.