Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that spreads rapidly through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can lead to severe illness, complications, and even be life-threatening. In 2023, there were an estimated 107 500 measles deaths globally, mostly among unvaccinated or under vaccinated children under the age of 5 years. Measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine is safe and provides long-lasting protection against all strains 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 and watery eyes, and rash. Rash, which is the most common symptom, begins about 7–18 days after exposure, usually on the face and upper neck. It spreads over about 3 days, eventually to the hands and feet. It usually lasts 5–6 days before fading. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis. There is no specific treatment for measles. Caregiving should focus on relieving symptoms, making the person comfortable and preventing complications. Drinking enough water and treatments for dehydration can replace fluids lost to diarrhea or vomiting. Eating a healthy diet is also important. The best way to protect against measles is with the MMR vaccine.
For More Information on Measles See the Resources Below:
- Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention. (2024, February 15). Measles in 2024: An Urgent Call to Action. https://sites.uab.edu/arcipc/2024/02/15/measles/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 29). Measles (Rubeola). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, February 28). Measles cases and outbreaks. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html
- World Health Organization. (2025, January 10). Measles (Rubeola).
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles
Cited Sources
Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention. (2024, February 15). Measles in 2024: An Urgent Call to Action. https://sites.uab.edu/arcipc/2024/02/15/measles/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 29). Measles (Rubeola). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, February 28). Measles cases and outbreaks. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html
World Health Organization. (2025, January 10). Measles (Rubeola). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles
