Measles

Measles is a serious disease that causes rash and fever. Measles can also cause serious problems, including pneumonia, ear infections, and permanent brain damage. About 1 in 4 people who get measles in the U.S. will be hospitalized. In rare cases, it can be deadly. 

Measles is very contagious. The measles virus spreads through the air when a person with measles breathes out, coughs or sneezes. The virus can survive in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area. Someone with measles is contagious 4 days before they have a rash through 4 days after the rash appears.

How you can protect against measles

Measles vaccination is your best protection. When you get 2 doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, it’s 97% effective at preventing measles. Numerous studies of MMR vaccine have concluded that the MMR vaccine is safe. Measles vaccine is recommended for everyone 1 year and older.

Declines in measles vaccination rates have increased the risk of measles outbreaks in Washington, the U.S., and around the world. Local cases of measles are often linked to unvaccinated travelers who returned from an area that has measles.

Resources

More information on vaccination

• About the measles vaccine and where to get it
• MMR & Autism: Unraveling the Myth (95 KB)
• Protect against measles before travel
• Measles resources for schools, workplaces, healthcare, and organizations
  Download flyers and handouts, social graphics, and videos in 20 languages.

Resources for child care facilities and schools

• Measles in child care facilities and schools
• Letter to school nurses (210 KB)
• School susceptible list (130 KB)
• School immunization rates in King County
• School and Child Care Immunization, WA State Dept. of Health

Resources for health care professionals

• Measles (acute disease only) is a reportable condition in King County: see disease reporting requirements from WA State Dept. of Health.
• Chapter 13: Measles, CDC
• MMR vaccination information for healthcare providers, CDC
• Measles One-Pager (3.3 MB), American Academy of Pediatrics