Measles: What You Should Know

Measles: What You Should Know

Measles spreads very easily through the air when someone who has it coughs or sneezes. You can get sick just by being in the same room—even up to two hours after the sick person leaves. Most kids who get two MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), shots are protected, but a few (about 3 out of 100) might still get sick if they’re around someone with measles.

Measles Symptoms:

• Skin rash
• Fever (can be low or very high)
• Red, watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Small white spots inside the mouth (two–three days after symptoms start)
• Rash that spreads from the face to the body (three–five days after symptoms start)
• Fever over 104°F when the rash shows up

Problems Measles Can Cause:

• Ear infections
• Diarrhea
• Lung infection (pneumonia – happens in 1 out of 20 people)
• Swelling in the brain (called encephalitis)
• Problems for pregnant women (early birth, small babies)
• Some people may need to go to the hospital or could die from measles

Who is at Risk for severe illness?

• Infants
• People with compromised immune systems
• People who are pregnant and not vaccinated
  • There is a vaccine available for those who cannot be immunized through traditional vaccine.

What You Should Do:

• Call your doctor right away if you’ve been near someone with measles. They’ll tell you what to do and how to stay safe
• If you feel sick, wear a mask so you don’t spread germs
• If you haven’t had the MMR vaccine, get it! It’s safe and works well
• Kids who haven’t had the vaccine must stay home from school for 21 days after being around someone with measles.

The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from measles, mumps, and rubella. It’s safe to get even after being exposed. For any further questions about measles, please consult your healthcare provider or call us at 509.444.8200.