Measles
Measles can be a serious disease. It’s caused by a very contagious virus that spreads through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash of tiny, red spots that spread all over the body. Measles can lead to pneumonia (lung infection), brain damage, deafness, and death. Thanks to the vaccine, measles is rare in the United States. But it’s still common in many other countries. Unvaccinated people are at risk of getting measles, especially when they travel abroad. They can bring the disease into the United States and infect others, which can lead to outbreaks.
Quiz
Key Facts
- Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. Anyone who is not protected is at risk, especially when traveling abroad.
- Measles vaccine works well and protects almost all children who get both doses of it.
- Since measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, the annual number of people reported with measles ranged from a low of 37 in 2004 to a high of 1,282 in 2019, and all of these cases were related to travel.
- Before the measles vaccination program started in 1963, about 3-4 million people got measles each year in the United States.
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You can protect your children from measles by making sure they are vaccinated on time. The vaccine is given as part of a combination vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children should get the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
Measles is still common in many parts of the world. Unvaccinated Americans put themselves at risk when they travel abroad. They can bring the disease into the United States and infect others, which can lead to outbreaks. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.
Measles outbreaks occur every year in the United States, primarily in communities where people are not vaccinated. People who get infected while traveling abroad bring the disease into these communities, where it can spread. Measles spreads very quickly among people who are not protected and can lead to outbreaks and severe complications.
Prevention Tips
- Get children vaccinated against measles. CDC recommends that children get two doses of measles vaccine—the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
- Know your immunization status. Adults born during or after 1957 who haven’t had measles or have never been vaccinated should get at least one dose of measles vaccine. College students, international travelers, and healthcare personnel should get two doses, at least 28 days apart.
- Check before you travel. CDC recommends that infants 6 months of age and older, adolescents, and adults are protected against measles before traveling abroad. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you or your child should get measles vaccine.
- Protect yourself and others. When you get measles vaccine, you protect yourself and others. This is very important for people who can’t get vaccinated, such as infants who are too young or people with specific health conditions.