Measles FAQ

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus.  It can lead to serious and sometimes fatal complications, especially in children. Fortunately, measles is a vaccine-preventable illness.

How does measles spread?

Measles spreads from person to person and through the air from respiratory droplets in a person’s breathing, cough, or sneeze. The virus can live for two hours on surfaces or suspended in the air. Someone who enters a room where someone with measles had been earlier can catch the disease. The virus can also travel along air currents and infect people in another room.

How do measles outbreaks happen?

Most measles cases in the US occur in people who are unvaccinated.  Outbreaks usually start with an initial case related to international travel that then spreads to unvaccinated close contacts upon return. 

What are the symptoms of measles?

Common signs of measles infection include a high fever and rash. The rash usually appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It starts on the head and spreads down to the rest of the body.

In addition to a fever and rash, other measles symptoms may include:

• Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
• Small spots in the cheek area inside the mouth, called Koplik spots
• Diarrhea

Measles can also lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), deafness, intellectual disability and even death.

Are there any treatments for measles?

There are no specific treatments for measles.  Management involves supportive care which involves alleviating symptoms and managing complications like pneumonia.

Why is vaccination so important?

Measles is highly contagious.  Nine out of every 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will develop infection.  Outbreaks therefore usually occur among unvaccinated individuals or infants who have not yet had the opportunity to be vaccinated. 

How effective is the measles vaccine (currently available as the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine or “MMR”)?

One dose of MMR is 93% effective against measles.  Two doses are 97% effective.  This immunity is generally considered life-long.

What are current recommendations for vaccination against measles in children?

It is currently recommended that children receive 2 doses of MMR, the first dose at 12–15 months old and the second dose at 4-6 years old.

What is considered adequate immunity to measles in adults?

Evidence of immunity is defined as meeting any one of the following criteria:

• Written documentation of at least one dose of measles vaccine after 1968
• Laboratory confirmation of disease
• Laboratory evidence of immunity (i.e. “titers”)
• Birth before 1957 (due to the likelihood of infection or exposure as a child)

What if I do not have written documentation of my vaccine history?

If you think you were vaccinated in the past but do not have written proof, you may need to consider an additional dose of MMR based on your year of birth.

• Birth between 1957-1968: you may have gotten a less effective version of the measles vaccine and should receive at least one dose of current MMR (two may be indicated if you fall into a “special group” as below)
• Birth between 1969-1989:you may have gotten only one dose of MMR as a child and should consider a second dose
• Birth after 1989: you should have gotten two doses as a child so no additional doses are needed

Who should consider a second shot of MMR if they previously only received one dose?

“Special groups” who should consider a second dose of MMR if not previously given:

• College students
• International travelers
• Healthcare personnel
• Close contacts of immunocompromised people
• People with HIV infection
• People vaccinated prior to 1968

If I have evidence of immunity and/or proof of adequate prior vaccination, do I need a “booster” in light of recent outbreaks?

No.  Given the high level of long-lasting immunity provided by prior infection or vaccination, there is no added benefit of additional doses of MMR. 

If I have evidence of immunity and/or proof of adequate prior vaccination, should I check my “titers” to ensure I am immune?

No.  Documentation of adequate prior vaccination is more important than the results of “titer” testing for measles.  That is, even if your level of antibodies drop below the level of detection of the blood test, your vaccination still protects you from getting infection.

I plan on traveling internationally.  Should I take any extra precautions to protect against measles?

Yes.  There are ongoing outbreaks across the globe, so anyone planning to travel internationally (i.e., outside the 50 United States) should ensure they are fully vaccinated, ideally at least 2 weeks prior to departure.

Is the MMR vaccine safe?

Yes.  Getting MMR vaccine is much safer than getting the measles.  Common side effects of the MMR vaccine are generally mild and temporary.  It is important to note that extensive, large-scale international studies have shown that MMR does NOT cause autism.

Where can I get the MMR vaccine if a dose is indicated?

Most PCP practices as well as our Pediatric offices have MMR in-stock.  Contact your PCP or Pediatrician to schedule an appointment.

How do I protect my baby from measles before they are able to get vaccinated?

• Young infants have some protection from maternal antibodies, both those transferred across the placenta during pregnancy and also from breast feeding.These antibodies can protect against many communicable diseases, including measles if the mother has had the MMR vaccine or immunity from a prior infection.
• If under 6 months of age, avoid potential exposures, use proper hand hygiene.
• If 6-12 months of age and exposed to someone with measles, early vaccination can be given