On this page, please refer to the following sections to learn about measles:
- What is measles?
- What are the symptoms of measles?
- How does measles spread?
- How do you avoid catching measles?
What is measles?
Measles (also known as rubeola) is a highly contagious viral disease. Measles begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. This is followed by a distinctive red, bumpy rash spreading head to toe.
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases, with 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people catching it if exposed. People who are vaccinated and still get measles usually have milder symptoms and are less contagious.
View the American Academy of Pediatrics children's vaccine schedule (PDF).
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes that last for about two to four days. This is followed by the appearance of a red bumpy rash.
While most children recover, complications such as dehydration, pneumonia, or meningitis can occur. About 1 in 5 children with measles require hospitalization.
Babies under 12 months are partly protected by maternal antibodies. If they are exposed to measles, they may be given post-exposure treatment to reduce the risk of severe illness.
How does measles spread?
Measles is a very contagious viral disease. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours.
Touching a contaminated surface and then rubbing your eyes, nose, or mouth can lead to infection.
Lack of vaccination increases the risk of spreading measles to others because those who are not vaccinated are more likely to catch the and spread virus.
How do you avoid catching measles?
Keeping up to date on vaccinations is the best way to prevent catching measles. Although measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, cases are rising, with 13 outbreaks in 2024 compared to 4 in 2023.
Vaccination is the best protection. The first dose should be given at 12 to 15 months, and the second dose at 4 to 5 years, providing up to 97% protection. Talk to your child’s doctor to ensure they are up to date on their measles vaccinations.
View the American Academy of Pediatrics children's vaccine schedule (PDF).