Some people think of measles as just a little rash and fever that clear up in a few days. But measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old. Measles is highly contagious and is a serious disease, caused by the measles virus, characterized by a fever and a rash on the entire body. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated individuals who get sick with measles will require hospitalization.
While measles is no longer common in the United States because of high levels of vaccination, it is still common in many other countries and can spread locally in populations of unvaccinated people. The best protection against measles is measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles. Getting the vaccine is much safer than getting measles.
The first signs of measles often resemble a cold and include a cough, high fever, runny nose, red watery eyes, and sometimes white spots in the mouth called Koplik spots. Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:
- High fever (may spike to more than 104° F)
- Cough
- Runny nose (coryza)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Rash (starting at the hairline or on the face, then usually spreading downward)
A rash will appear usually 2-3 days after the first symptoms. The rash commonly starts on the hairline or face and eventually travels down to the neck, stomach, arms, and legs. The rash spots are small, red, and flat.
Measles is very contagious and one of the most contagious of all infectious diseases. Up to 9 out of 10 susceptible people with close contact to a measles patient will develop measles.
It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen even up to 2 hours after that person has left.
The virus is transmitted by:
- Direct contact with infectious droplets.
- Airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
- Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Don’t go to school, work, to the store, or other people’s homes until your doctor or public health says it is safe to do so. Don’t have visitors to your home if you or your child have a fever or rash.
Protect yourself with the vaccine. The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR is safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.
Children
CDC recommends children should routinely get 2 doses of MMR vaccine: This can be administered as MMR or MMRV vaccine. Children can receive the second dose of MMR vaccine earlier than 4 through 6 years (as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose). A second dose of MMRV vaccine can be given 3 months after the first dose up to 12 years of age.
Adults
Adults and teens should also be up to date on MMR vaccinations with either 1 or 2 doses (depending on risk factors); unless they have other presumptive evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. MMR vaccination is especially important for healthcare professionals, international travelers, and other specific groups.
One dose of MMR vaccine, or other presumptive evidence of immunity, is sufficient for most adults. Providers generally do not need to actively screen adult patients for measles immunity in non-outbreak areas in the United States. After vaccination, it is also not necessary to test patients for antibodies to confirm immunity. There is no recommendation for a catch-up program among adults for a second dose of MMR (e.g., people born before 1989 or otherwise).
Prevent measles and talk to your healthcare provider about the MMR vaccine, especially if planning to travel.
There is no specific treatment for measles. Caregiving should focus on relieving symptoms, making the person comfortable and preventing complications. People with measles need bed rest, fluids, and control of fever. Treatment for complications such as diarrhea, ear infection, or pneumonia may also be needed.
If you or your child have been exposed to someone with measles, call your doctor or a health clinic right away. They will help determine if you need to come in for a visit. Treatment after exposure, known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), may be available to prevent you or your child from becoming sick with measles.
Drinking enough water and treatments for dehydration can replace fluids lost to diarrhea or vomiting. Eating a healthy diet is also important.
Doctors may use antibiotics to treat pneumonia and ear and eye infections.
Under the supervision of a healthcare provider, vitamin A may be administered to infants and children in the United States with measles as part of supportive management. Under a physician's supervision, children with severe measles, such as those who are hospitalized, should be managed with vitamin A.
Measles vaccines through DDPHE
As a certified Vaccines for Children (VFC) site, DDPHE can acquire and provide vaccines, including the vaccine against measles. DDPHE public health nurses are available to answer questions about if you qualify for vaccination through us. If you have additional questions for our public health nursing team, contact them by email to find out if you qualify for a free vaccine.
Based on available information, anyone who was in the following location during the date and times listed may have been exposed to measles and should call their local public health department as soon as possible. Denver residents should call DDPHE at 720-865-5767.
Anyone exposed should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure and consider avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings. Monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. We will update the locations, as necessary.
Saturday, April 19 - 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Kaiser Lakewood Medical Offices Urgent Care
8383 W. Alameda Ave. #2
Lakewood, CO 80226
General
I think I have measles. What should I do?
Immediately call your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms so that they can tell you what to do next. Your healthcare provider can make special arrangements to evaluate you, if needed, without putting other patients and medical office staff at risk.
Who is most at risk for measles?
Measles can be serious in all age groups. However, there are several groups that are more likely to suffer from measles complications:
How effective is the measles vaccine?
The measles vaccine is very effective. Two doses of measles vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus. One dose is about 93% effective.
What are the signs and symptoms of measles?
Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:
- High fever (may spike to more than 104° F)
- Cough
- Runny nose (coryza)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Rash
How long does it take for the measles vaccine to work in your body?
For the measles vaccine to work, the body needs time to produce protective antibodies in response to the vaccine. Detectable antibodies generally appear within just a few days after vaccination. People are usually fully protected after about 2 or 3 weeks. If you’re traveling internationally, make sure to get up to date on all your measles shots. You should plan to be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks before you depart. If your trip is less than 2 weeks away and you’re not protected against measles, you should still get a dose of measles vaccine.
I've been exposed to someone who has measles. What should I do?
Immediately call your healthcare provider and let them know that you have been exposed to someone who has measles. Your healthcare provider can:
- Determine if you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence.
- Make special arrangements to evaluate you, if needed, without putting other patients and medical office staff at risk.
If you are not immune to measles, MMR vaccine or a medicine called immune globulin may help reduce your risk developing measles. Your healthcare provider can advise you, and monitor you for signs and symptoms of measles.
If you are not immune and do not get MMR or immune globulin, you should stay away from settings where there are susceptible people (such as schools, hospitals, or childcare) until your healthcare provider says it's okay to return. This will help ensure that you do not spread it to others.
How do I get a measles vaccine if I have insurance?
The best way to protect yourself and the Denver community you work with is to get a measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine if you haven’t had one! The MMR vaccine is easy to get. If you do have insurance, contact your primary care provider.
How do I get a measles vaccine if I have insurance but it isn’t covered?
You can find a measles vaccine for low or no cost at doctor’s offices, community health centers, pharmacies, public health clinics, and some schools. Contact a health care provider for a MMR vaccine as well as learn more about which additional vaccine(s) might be recommended. As a certified Vaccines for Children (VFC) site, the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) can acquire and provide vaccines, including the vaccine against measles for some Denverites. DDPHE public health nurses are available to answer questions about if a client or community qualifies for vaccination through us.
How do I get a vaccine if I am on Medicaid/Medicare?
Contact a provider who accepts those insurances. If you have Original Medicare, any doctor or pharmacy that accepts Medicare assignment can administer the vaccine. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you'll need to use a doctor or pharmacy within your plan's network. Medicare Part D covers the vaccine cost, and there's no copayment or coinsurance.
What should I do if I am not sure if my vaccine is covered?
DDPHE public health nurses are available to answer questions about if you qualify for vaccination or not. Feel free to reach out to them by email or by calling 720-865-5422.
Is measles the same thing as chickenpox?
No, measles and chickenpox are not the same disease, though they both cause rashes and are highly contagious viral illnesses.
Infants and Kids
My baby is too young to be vaccinated. How can I protect them against measles?
- Limit your baby's exposure to crowds, other children, and anyone with a cold.
- Prevent germs at home. Disinfect objects and surfaces in your home regularly.
- Feed your baby breastmilk. It has unique antibodies to prevent and fight infections.
I’m planning to travel with my baby before they are 12 months old, should I get them vaccinated before?
If you have to travel, get an early dose for your baby at 6 through 11 months. Then, follow the recommended schedule and get another dose at 12 through 15 months. A final dose should be given at 4 through 6 years.
How soon can my baby get the measles vaccine?
The recommended age for the first dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 12 to 15 months of age.
If you live in or plan to travel to a community experiencing an outbreak, or if you travel internationally, your baby may be vaccinated as early as 6 months of age. Talk with your pediatrician or a member of the DDPHE Public Health Nursing team for recommendations.
What are the signs and symptoms of measles in babies?
Measles typically starts like a bad cold with symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis (pink eye). Typically 2-4 days after the cold-like symptoms, a rash then starts to develop on the head and spreads down to the rest of the body. Many children also get ear infections.
While the main symptoms of measles are bad enough, the reason we vaccinate against measles is to prevent the complications associated with it―such as pneumonia and encephalitis (an infection of the brain).
How do I get a vaccine if my child has Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)?
Contact a provider who accepts those insurances. As a certified Vaccines for Children site, DDPHE can acquire and provide vaccines, including the vaccine against measles. DDPHE public health nurses are available to answer questions about if you qualify for vaccination through us.
Adults
I am an adult now but only got one dose of measles vaccine as a child. Do I need a second dose?
If you were born after 1957 one dose of measles vaccine is sufficient to be considered protected from measles. Certain adults may need 2 doses. Adults who are going to be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission should make sure they have had two doses separated by at least 28 days. These adults include:
- Students at post-high school education institutions
- Healthcare personnel
- International travelers
- People who public health authorities determine are at increased risk for getting measles during a measles outbreak
If you're not sure whether you are up to date on measles vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider.
Do I ever need a measles booster vaccine?
No. CDC considers people who received two doses of measles vaccine as children according to the U.S. vaccination schedule protected for life, and they do not ever need a booster dose.
If you're not sure whether you are fully vaccinated, talk with your healthcare provider.
What should I do if I'm unsure whether I'm immune to measles?
If you're unsure whether you're immune to measles, you should first try to find your vaccination records or documentation of measles immunity. If you do not have written documentation of measles immunity, you should get vaccinated with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. There is no harm in getting another dose of MMR vaccine if you may already be immune to measles (or mumps or rubella).
If you were born in Colorado or have received medical care here, you can access the immunization record for yourself or your child from the online Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) self-serve portal
Do people who got the killed measles vaccine in the 1960's need to be revaccinated with the current, live measles vaccine?
Yes, people who know they got the killed measles vaccine (an earlier formulation of measles vaccine that is no longer used) should talk to their healthcare provider about getting revaccinated with the current, live measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Not many people fall into this group; the killed vaccine was given to less than 1 million people between 1963 and 1967. Also, most people don't know if they got the killed vaccine during this time. If you're unsure whether you fall into this group, you should first try to find your vaccination records or documentation of measles immunity. If you do not have written documentation of measles immunity, you should get vaccinated with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. There is no harm in getting another dose of MMR vaccine if you may already be immune to measles (or mumps or rubella). Another option is to have a healthcare provider test your blood to determine whether you're immune, but this is generally not recommended.