Measles

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. This means measles spreads very easily through the air or on surfaces when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If one person has measles, 9 out of 10 people that come into contact with the infected person will become infected if they are not protected.

People can get measles by entering a room that a person infected with measles visited up to two hours before. People infected with measles can spread the virus to others from 4 days before through 4 days after the rash appears.

Measles Cases and Outbreaks: 

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin 7-14 days after exposure to the measles virus.

Common symptoms:

  • High fever (can spike above 104°F)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Tiny white spots (Koplik Spots) may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms start
  • Rash typically appears 3-5 days after symptoms begin, starting on the face and spreading downward

Complications can include:

  • Ear infections
  • Diarrhea
  • More severe issues: pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death

Who is at risk?  

Anyone not protected against measles is at risk.

Those at higher risk for complications:

  • Children under age 5
  • Adults over age 20
  • Pregnant women
  • People with weakened immune systems

How to Prevent Measles

The best protection is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. It’s safe, effective, and has been used for decades.

  • 2 doses are about 97% effective
  • 1 dose provides about 93% protection

If you’re traveling soon, talk to your doctor – you might need a dose before you go.

Click here for more information on the MMR vaccine. 

What If I’ve Been Exposed to Measles?

Being in close contact to a person with measles, either through air or surfaces means you have been exposed to measles. This includes being in spaces where a person with measles was present up to 2 hours after they left.  A person is contagious (can spread disease) 4 days before rash onset (start) and 4 days after rash onset.

If you're not immune and think you’ve been exposed:

  • Call your health care provider or emergency room before being seen. If you have measles, you could spread it to others. They can tell you the best way to get checked without infecting others.
  • You might still be able to get the MMR vaccine, even after exposure
    1. Within 72 hours: could prevent or reduce illness
  • In some situations, your doctor might recommend immunoglobulin (IG) (especially if at high risk or can’t get vaccinated).
    1. IG given within 6 days may prevent or reduce illness

Call Madison County Public Health at 315-366-2361 option 2 for additional information or clarification on measles.

Healthcare Provider Resources


Page updated June 16, 2025