Background
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable viral respiratory illness. It typically begins like a common cold but is followed by kolpik spots and a rash. Measles is spread through contaminated air or infected surfaces. The virus can survive for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves the area. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventive measles.
Symptoms
Measles symptoms come in stages and first present like a common cold with the following symptoms:
- High fever (may spike to >104°)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
2-3 days after cold-like symptoms began, Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth) appear.
3-5 days after cold-like symptoms began, a rash appears that typically begins on the head and spreads down the body.
How Measles Spreads
Measles spreads via droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets then land on the mouth or nose of people nearby.
Measles is very contagious, infecting up to 90% of those exposed who are not immune.
Symptoms typically begin 7 – 14 days after contact with the virus.
How Contagious is Measles
Measles can be spread four days before the onset of the rash and up to four days after the onset of the rash (day of rash onset is day zero). The measles virus can live in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person was in the room.
What to do if I was exposed?
Contact your healthcare provider and make them aware before you arrive so they can give advice on precautions to take to avoid potentially exposing others.
Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date with the MMR vaccine.
- Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles
- One dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles
Everyday steps to stop the spread of germs
- Stay home when sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wash hands often
- Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly
Who is at risk?
If fully vaccinated, the risk of catching measles is very low. Those at highest risk include:
- Children under 12 months of age
- Pregnant persons
- Immunocompromised persons
Measles is common in other parts of the world and can be brought to the United States through international travel.
Vaccine Schedule
| First Dose | Second Dose | |
|---|---|---|
| Children | Age 12 - 15 months | Age 4 - 6 |
| Teens and adults with no evidence of immunity | As soon as possible | N/A |
MMR Vaccine at DCHD
DCHD can provide the MMR vaccine through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Adult 317 programs. Call the Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100 to see if you or your child qualifies.
Pennsylvania Department of Health Resources
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/diseases-conditions/infectious-disease/measles
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Resources
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/vaccines/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html
For more information and assistance, the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to responding to phone calls, the Wellness Line also responds to email inquiries.
Phone: (484) 276-2100 (Available 24/7)
EMAIL: DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us
