Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. In the past few months, over 280 people in the United States have become ill with measles and two people have died. This includes a large and growing outbreak in Texas and New Mexico.  In this outbreak, more than 19 of every 20 people who got measles were unvaccinated or did not know their vaccine status. Measles outbreaks also are common in other parts of the world.

How contagious is measles?

Measles is so contagious that if one person becomes infected, 9 out of 10 people close to that person who are unvaccinated or not immune will also become infected. It is spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. This can include on airplanes, in classrooms, stores, or other areas where people share space.

Is measles serious?

Measles can cause serious health issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 1 in 5 people who get measles end up in the hospital. Measles can cause severe complications like a lung infection (pneumonia), brain inflammation (encephalitis), and possibly death, even with medical care.

What are symptoms of measles?

Symptoms of measles typically include:

• High fever (may spike up to 104°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• A rash that appears around 3-5 days after other symptoms begin. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads down the body.

How can I prevent measles?

The best way to protect a child from measles is by getting the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. The first dose of MMR is routinely given between 12-15 months, and the second dose is given at 4 to 6 years of age.

Can getting measles vaccine also protect my community?

The MMR vaccine not only protects you or your child, but it also helps protect others who cannot be vaccinated. If the measles virus comes into a community where measles vaccination uptake reaches 95% or greater, it is unable to spread. This is called “community immunity” and helps protect infants who are too young to be vaccinated or people with weakened immune systems due to illness or medications.

International travel plans?

If you plan to travel abroad or to an area with a measles outbreak, check with your healthcare provider before leaving for your trip to ensure all travelers who are able to be vaccinated have been vaccinated. Infants 6 to 11 months old should receive 1 dose of measles vaccine before traveling. Children 12 months and older should receive 2 doses before traveling.

Am I fully vaccinated?

If you and/or your family members are unsure of your vaccination status, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help determine if you or your loved ones need additional doses, including adults who may have been vaccinated between 1963 and 1967 with a vaccine that was not as effective as the current one. If you are from Virginia, you can also request your Virginia immunization records through the VDH Immunization Record Request form.