Measles

Measles is an infection caused by a virus that spreads easily and can be serious and even fatal, especially in children younger than 5 years old. Measles can almost always be prevented with a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Measles

What are the signs and symptoms of measles?

The following symptoms may appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus:

• Cough
• Red or teary eyes
• Runny nose
• High fever of up to 104°F

2 to 3 days after symptoms appear:

• Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth

3 to 5 days after symptoms appear:

• Flat, red spots that appear on the face at the hairline then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet

What is the most important way to protect myself from measles?

• The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the safest and best way to protect yourself from measles. 
• 1 dose is 93% effective at preventing infection and 2 doses is 97% effective at preventing infection.  
• Check your MMR status and recommendations based on your personal situation.  

If I think I have been exposed to measles, what should I do?

Immediately call your healthcare provider and let them know that you have been exposed to someone who has measles. Your healthcare provider can make special arrangements to evaluate you, if needed, without putting other patients and medical office staff at risk. 

If I think I have measles, what should I do?

Immediately call your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms so that they can tell you what to do next. Your healthcare provider can make special arrangements to evaluate you, if needed, without putting other patients and medical office staff at risk. 

Other Questions About Measles

• Contact us at 402-339-4334 or [email protected].
• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• American Academy of Pediatrics

Measles Cases and Outbreaks

The CDC maintains data on confirmed measles cases and outbreaks in the United States.

Resources

General public, parents, and caregivers

• About Measles  
• Measles: What Parents Need to Know  
• How to Protect Your Children During a Measles Outbreak 
• AAP Video: Are Diseases Like Measles Really That Dangerous? 
• Measles Vaccination: Know the Facts 
• Nebraskans – Find Your Vaccination Status 

Schools

• Overview for School Nurses (TX DOH) 
• Measles Estimation Model for Vaccination Status and Enrollment 

Childcare providers

• What to Know and Do 
   

Health care providers

Clinical Management:

• Overview 
• Stay Alert for Measles 
• Clinical Provider Flowsheet: A tool to guide providers in evaluating a patient presenting with rash and fever 
• Pediatric management (Children’s Minnesota) 
• Think Measles: Recognizing and Addressing Measles in Pediatric Practice (AAP) 

Vaccination:

• Overview 
• ACIP MMR vaccine recommendations 
• Pinkbook 

Infection Control:

• Infection prevention and control in health care setting 
• Nebraska – Infection Control Assessment and Prevention (ICAP) - Measles resources 
• Exposed health care professional?