Measles (Rubeola)

measles under a microscope

About Measles

Measles is a highly contagious virus. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection.
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Measles Cases and Outbreaks

Find the latest numbers of confirmed measles cases in the U.S. CDC updates this page weekly.
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Plan for Travel

Prepare for international travel with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Sick child laying in bed with an IV

Measles Symptoms and Complications

Measles symptoms including high fever, cough, and runny nose appear 7–14 days after infection.

For Professionals

Photographed early in 2014 in the Philippines capital city of Manila, this baby was in a hospital with measles (rubeola). Since typhoon Haiyan, the Philippines, especially metropolitan Manila, has been experiencing a large measles outbreak.

Clinical Overview of Measles

Learn about clinical diagnosing and treating measles cases.
Phil image on antiretroviral drug resistance testing on patient specimens

For Public Health Professionals

Get key measles resources including case definitions and outbreak and response procedures.
Laboratory setting with clinicians working

Laboratory Testing for Measles

Detection of measles RNA by RT-PCR can provide laboratory confirmation of infection.