What makes measles contagious

If you haven't been vaccinated, Dr. Rajapakse says it's not too late. If you're not sure if you've been vaccinated, Dr. Rajapakse recommends checking with your primary care provider. By Deb Balzer. Since the introduction of the measles vaccine, measles has virtually been eliminated in the United States, even though not everyone has been vaccinated.

This effect is called herd immunity. But herd immunity may now be weakening a bit, likely due to a drop in vaccination rates. The incidence of measles in the U. Preventing a resurgence of measles. Steady vaccination rates are important because soon after vaccination rates decline, measles begins to come back. In , a now-discredited study was published incorrectly linking autism to the measles-mumps-rubella MMR vaccine.

In , there were nearly 1, lab-confirmed cases of measles in England and Wales. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Measles Open pop-up dialog box Close. Measles Measles causes a red, blotchy rash that usually appears first on the face and behind the ears, then spreads downward to the chest and back and finally to the feet.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Goodson JL, et al. Measles 50 years after use of measles vaccine.

Severe measles cases among children, including those who are hospitalized, may be treated with vitamin A. This sharable infographic explains the risks of measles, how it is spread, and how to protect yourself and your family. Skip to main content. Home Infectious Diseases Measles Measles. Burden Measles can be serious: About 1 in 5 people in the US who get measles will be hospitalized 1 out of every 1, people with measles will develop brain swelling, which could lead to brain damage As many as 1 in 20 children with measles gets pneumonia 1 to 3 out of 1, people with measles will die, even with the best care According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , more than 1, individual cases of measles were confirmed in in 31 states—the largest number of cases since measles was eliminated in the US in Symptoms Symptoms include rash, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and fever.

Prevention The measles, mumps, rubella MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect you and your family from measles. Treatment There is no specific antiviral drug available to treat measles. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Measles? Is Measles Contagious? How Do People Get Measles? How Is Measles Treated? There is no specific medical treatment for measles.

To help manage symptoms: give your child plenty of fluids encourage extra rest give a non-aspirin fever medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if a fever makes your child uncomfortable.

Never give aspirin to a child who has a viral illness, as such use is linked to Reye syndrome. In some cases, measles can lead to other problems, such as: ear infections croup diarrhea pneumonia encephalitis irritation and swelling of the brain Children with measles should be kept away from others for 4 days after their rash appears. How Long Does Measles Last? Can Measles Be Prevented? Why Is Vaccination Important?

At highest risk during a measles outbreak are: infants who aren't old enough to get the vaccine pregnant women people with poor nutrition or weak immune systems Doctors can give an injection of measles antibodies called immune globulin to at-risk people who are exposed to measles. When Should I Call the Doctor?