Measles
What is Measles ?
Measles, also called rubeola, was once a common childhood illness. It’s caused by a virus that spreads easily through the air and settles on surfaces. A vaccine can prevent measles infection. Most people recover from measles in about 10 days. It usually doesn’t cause long-term medical issues. But measles can be serious and even deadly. This is especially true for children younger than age 5 and people with severely weakened immune systems.
Measles is treated by managing symptoms and preventing complications. Get a measles vaccine when recommended to keep the virus from spreading. Because of vaccination, measles hasn’t been common in the United States for more than two decades. Often, measles cases in the U.S. come from outside the country. Outbreaks are more common among people who are not vaccinated.
Symptoms
- High fever
- Barky cough
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Runny nose
- Tiredness
- Red spots with white centers in your mouth
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain
- Headache
Cause
Measles is caused by a virus that spreads only among humans. When someone with measles coughs, sneezes or talks, droplets spray into the air. People who breathe in the droplets can catch the virus. Droplets also may land on surfaces. You can catch measles if you touch an infected surface and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes. These droplets can infect other people for up to two hours.
Risk Factors
Your risk of measles goes up if you aren’t vaccinated. Your risk also goes up if you’ve had only one dose of the vaccine. People who travel to places where measles regularly spreads or where there is a measles outbreak are more likely to get the illness. This is especially true if you haven’t had two doses of the measles vaccine.
Students living in dormitories may be at higher risk. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of catching measles. And infants who aren’t old enough to get the vaccine are at higher risk than average if exposed to measles virus.
When to see a Doctor
Call your doctor if you think you or your child may have been exposed to measles or if you or your child has a rash resembling measles. Review your family’s vaccination records with your doctor, especially before your children start elementary school or college and before international travel.