Version July 2025
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What is measles? —
This is an infection that can cause a rash, fever, and cough. It is caused by infection with the measles virus. This virus spreads very easily from person to person.
The MMR vaccine keeps people from getting measles. It protects against 3 different infections: measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine comes in a shot.
People who are at risk for measles include:
●Children too young to get a measles shot
●People who never got a measles shot
●People who did not get a second measles shot
●People who got a measles shot that did not work well
Going to countries where the measles vaccine is not common, or being around people from these countries, can raise a person's risk of getting measles. Even in places where the vaccine is easy to get, the risk of measles goes up if lots of people choose not to get the vaccine. This has led to an increase in measles cases in some parts of the US. If lots of people are not vaccinated, the infection can spread quickly.
Measles can cause long-term problems with the lungs, ears, or brain. These problems can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
Some people have a higher risk of serious problems from measles. They include:
●People with HIV infection or cancer
●Pregnant people
●People who do not get enough food or vitamins
●Babies
●Very old people
What are the symptoms of measles? —
The first symptoms can include:
●Fever up to 104°F (40°C)
●Feeling sick, like with a cold
●Loss of appetite
●Spots in the mouth – These can look like grains of salt.
After the first symptoms, many people have:
●Red, runny eyes. The eyes might also be extra sensitive to bright light.
●Sneezing and coughing
●A red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body (picture 1). The spots in the rash can form red patches.
●A sore throat
Most people start feeling better about 2 days after the rash starts. After 3 or 4 days, the rash starts to turn brown and go away. The skin might peel or flake off, like after a sunburn. Many people have a cough for 1 or 2 weeks after the rash goes away.
Some people who get measles have other symptoms, such as a headache, chest pain, or breathing problems.
How does measles spread? —
If you have not had measles or the MMR vaccine, you can catch measles from an infected person. This can happen if you are around an infected person or go somewhere an infected person has been.
A person with measles can start spreading it about 5 days before they get a rash. It can spread for about 4 days after the rash is gone.
Should I call the doctor if I think my child or I have measles? —
Yes. If you or your child has a fever and rash, call the doctor or nurse. They can ask questions and tell you what to do next. Don't go to the doctor's office without calling first. Measles spreads easily, so you could give it to other people at the doctor's office.
What if I was near someone with measles? —
Call your doctor or nurse. It might still be possible to avoid getting sick. If you get the vaccine soon enough, it can stop measles or make it less serious. People who cannot get the vaccine can take a medicine to help keep them from getting sick.
Is there a test for measles? —
Yes. The doctor or nurse can do blood tests. But these tests might not be needed. A doctor or nurse can often tell if a person has measles by doing an exam and learning about the symptoms.
How is measles treated? —
For most people, there is no specific treatment. If you or your child have measles, you can:
●Rest.
●Drink plenty of fluids.
●Take acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) to help with fever and aches.
Do not give aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin to children younger than 18. In children, aspirin can cause a serious problem called Reye syndrome.
Doctors give vitamin A to some children with measles. If your child needs treatment in the hospital, or has another health condition besides measles, the doctor might give vitamin A. But vitamin A does not prevent measles.
If measles causes other health problems, such as ear infections, doctors can usually treat them. But a few health problems from measles can be life-threatening.
Can measles be prevented? —
Yes. The MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent infection.
All children should get the vaccine when they are 12 to 15 months old. Then, they need a second shot when they are 4 to 6 years old. They should have the second shot before they start school.
Some babies and children need to get the vaccine earlier than usual, if they:
●Live in an area where there is a measles outbreak
●Need to travel to an area where there is a measles outbreak
●Need to travel outside the US
Some older children and adults also need the MMR vaccine, such as:
●Hospital or health care workers
●Students who don't have written proof of 2 shots
●Some people traveling outside the US
In the past, some people in the US got a vaccine that did not work well. If you got a measles shot before 1968, talk to your doctor or nurse.
Some people should wait or get tested before getting the MMR vaccine. This includes people with HIV or cancer and people taking certain medicines. When healthy people get the vaccine, it helps protect the people who cannot get it.
Does the MMR vaccine cause autism? —
No. After doing many careful studies, scientists have not found any link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Many years ago, 1 study said there was a link between autism and vaccines. But that study turned out to be false.
What if I want to get pregnant? —
Make sure your MMR vaccine is up to date. This means knowing if you got it in the past. If you are not sure, your doctor or nurse can do a blood test to check.
Getting measles when you are pregnant could cause pregnancy loss (also called a miscarriage). This is when a pregnancy ends before a person has been pregnant for 20 weeks. Or the baby could be born too early. Babies who are born early can have serious life-long health problems.
The MMR vaccine must be given before pregnancy. It is not safe during pregnancy. After you get the vaccine, wait at least 4 weeks before trying to get pregnant.
Patient education: Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for babies and children age 0 to 6 years (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines and pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Isolation precautions (The Basics)
Patient education: Why does my child need vaccines? (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for infants and children age 0 to 6 years (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for adults (Beyond the Basics)
