Discover the Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Measles
As the number of measles cases continues to rise across states, you may be concerned about what this means for you and your loved ones. The best precaution is to understand the virus and know what to look out for as measles continues to spread.
What is Measles?
You might be wondering why there’s talk of a measles outbreak when many thought the virus had been eliminated years ago with the introduction of the vaccine. The truth is, while measles cases have significantly decreased, there are still a small number of cases each year.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that can spread rapidly. It can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children and those with compromised immune systems, such as pneumonia or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Last year, 285 measles cases were reported in the United States, and more than 50 percent of those infected under age five were hospitalized.
The measles virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours in spaces where an infected person has coughed or sneezed. You can become infected by breathing contaminated air or touching surfaces an infected person has touched and then touching your face – eyes, nose, or mouth.
Measles Symptoms
Measles shares some similar symptoms with the common cold, but it has some key, different signs:
- High fever (above 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Cough
- Runny Nose
- Red or watery eyes
- White spots in the mouth
- Red or brown rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body (Click here to view images of how the rash may appear)
Symptoms may not appear until days after exposure to the virus. Those diagnosed with measles are considered contagious for a little over the week, based on when the rash appears and when it fades.
Can People Who Are Vaccinated Get Sick from Measles?
According to the World Health Organization, the measles vaccination, MMR, introduced in 1963, has been instrumental in reducing measles deaths. The CDC reports that one dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles, and two doses increase the effectiveness to 97%. While breakthrough cases can still happen, vaccinated individuals tend to experience milder symptoms and are less likely to spread the disease to others.
How to Prevent Measles
Measles is highly contagious, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:
- Stay home if you are feeling sick.
- Practice social distancing, especially if you develop a rash.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands frequently.
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