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Measles: Just the Facts

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Updated February 11, 2015

by Katie Lewin

A recent outbreak of measles in California that has infected more than 120 people has many more worried about the spread of the virus. That’s why we’ve compiled dependable information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention into a quick, easy FAQ below. Links to additional resources are provided as well.

How do I know if I have the measles?

Measles typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Two or three days after the initial symptoms start, little white spots (called Koplik spots) may be seen inside the mouth. The characteristic rash appears, usually as flat red spots on the face and hairline, anywhere from three to five days after the initial symptoms. The spots can spread to the neck, torso, arms, legs and feet. Raised bumps may appear on top of the spots and join together. Once the rash appears, the fever may spike to more than 104 degrees F. In a few days, the fever will subside and the rash should begin to fade.

How is measles spread from person to person?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing and sneezing. If someone touches an infected surface and then touches their nose or mouth, they can get the measles. In fact, measles is spread so easily that if one person has it, 90% of the people close to them who aren’t immune will become infected with the virus.

How do you become immune to measles?

Once someone has contracted measles, they won’t get it again. But you don’t have to catch it once to be immune. Measles is also prevented with a vaccine called MMR (for measles, mumps and rubella). In the United States, the development and implementation of this vaccine has caused a greater than 99% reduction in measles cases. That means if you have both the doses of the vaccine, you have only a 1% chance of catching measles.

All children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, first at 12 to 15 months old and second at 4 to 6 years old. Older children and adults who were never vaccinated (or who can’t remember) are advised to get at least one dose of MMR.

Why aren’t some people vaccinated against measles?

Children below the age of one year aren’t old enough to receive the MMR vaccine. Additionally, flawed research released in 1998 linked the MMR vaccine to the development of autism in children. Even though the study’s findings were disproved, it caused a lot of misconceptions about the vaccine, and may be part of the reason why some parents choose not to vaccinate their children.

Unfortunately, this could have serious consequences, not only for the children of those parents, but also the community at large. When there are fewer vaccinated individuals in an area, “herd immunity” is weakened — meaning that an infectious disease can quickly spread because not enough people are vaccinated against or otherwise immune to it. In part because of the effectiveness of vaccination programs, the CDC declared measles eliminated in the US in 2000 (meaning it now only comes into the country from outside).

Are there any treatments for measles?

Once you get measles, the only treatments available are those that ease your symptoms. Remedies are the same as those for colds and fevers — using a humidifier in the room, taking decongestants and fever-reducing medicines, and placing cool washcloths on the forehead or taking tepid baths to cool the body. Rest is recommended, as is staying away from others, so the virus doesn’t spread.

Who’s most likely to get the measles?

Because it’s an airborne virus, measles is easily spread, and can be contracted easily by anyone not protected by the MMR vaccine. The people most vulnerable to complications caused by the virus (which include ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia and rare but serious encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, as well as death) are kids under age 5.

What if I’m pregnant or trying to get pregnant during this measles outbreak?

Pregnant women are right to be concerned about measles, as the virus can cause pregnancy loss, preterm labor or low birth weight. If you’re not sure you’ve received the vaccine, it’s best to get the shot before trying to conceive, since there are indications that pregnant women should avoid the MMR vaccine. Once you're pregnant, a simple blood test administered by your OB office can tell you if you're immune to measles (meaning you've had the illness or had the shot and won't get infected).

Women who don't have immunity to measles and are already pregnant should take extra health precautions, such as avoiding contact with potentially infected people, washing hands frequently and sterilizing common surfaces often. If you're pregnant and think you may have been exposed to the measles, call your OB right away for advice.