Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe rash illness caused by a virus. The virus is passed from an individual with measles via the air we breathe.
Signs & Symptoms
Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include:
- High fever (can be higher than 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose (coryza)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin
- Rash
- The rash may be less prominent or may not appear at all.
NOTE: There is a possibility that the symptoms of measles present differently in some people, particularly if they are vaccinated.
Complications
Measles can cause complications, especially in children younger than 5 years of age. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.
Get Tested
Testing for measles is available through your healthcare provider or urgent care. If uninsured, you can follow up with a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
Do not enter a healthcare facility without first calling them about possibly having measles so you do not expose other patients.
Protect Yourself Through Vaccination
Vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent measles. One dose generally provides 93% protection, while 2 doses provides about 97% protection from measles infection.
MMR & MMRV Vaccines
Measles can be prevented with a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR or MMRV).
- MMR Vaccine
-
The MMR vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.
MMR vaccination is available for children (12 months of age and older) as well as adults who do not have evidence of immunity.
NOTE: The current MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine. People who were vaccinated prior to 1968 with either inactivated (killed) measles vaccine or measles vaccine of unknown type should be revaccinated with at least one dose of live attenuated measles vaccine.
- MMRV Vaccine
-
The MMRV vaccine protects against four diseases: measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox).
MMRV vaccination is licensed for use in children 12 months to 12 years of age.
Get Vaccinated
- Vaccines for Children
- Children require two vaccines to be fully immunized.
- The first dose is administered at 12-15 months of age.
- The second dose is administered at 4-6 years of age.
- Vaccines for Adults
- Most adults with no evidence of immunity should receive one dose. Adults should speak with their healthcare provider to determine if a second dose is appropriate for them.
NOTE: You can pass the virus to others even if vaccinated.
Insurance
- If You are Insured
- Most health insurances cover the cost of the MMR and MMRV vaccine. Insured persons should check with their doctor or local pharmacy to see what vaccines are offered.
- If You are Uninsured
- You can get an MMR vaccine at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or at Metro Health.
NOTE: If you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant within the next month, you should not be vaccinated until after delivery.
If You Do Not Remember Getting the Measles Vaccine
You should get an MMR vaccine if you do not have one of the following as proof of immunity for measles:
- Written documentation of adequate vaccination in your immunization record,
- Laboratory evidence of immunity obtained when a healthcare provider tests your blood to determine if you are immune, but this is generally not recommended,
- Laboratory confirmation of disease, or
- Birth before 1957. Before vaccines were available, nearly everyone was infected with measles during childhood. Most people born before 1957 are likely to have been infected naturally and therefore are presumed to be protected against measles.
Get Your Vaccination Record
Your healthcare provider, child’s school, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and Metro Health may be able to provide immunization records. Find details about the options for requesting your immunization records.
Exposure
- If You are Exposed
-
- Monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.
- If unvaccinated, getting the MMR vaccine can prevent developing measles or complications due to measles.
- If You Develop Symptoms
-
- Stay home.
- Avoid school, work, and large gatherings.
- Call a healthcare provider right away.
- Do not enter a healthcare facility without first calling them about your measles exposure and symptoms so you do not expose other patients.
Case Counts in Texas
The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an outbreak of measles in the South Plains region of Texas. View the list of case counts in Texas.
Reporting Measles
View Health Advisories & Alerts for more guidance.
See the reporting instructions on the Metro Health Reportable Diseases and Epidemiology site.
Downloadable Resources
These downloadable resources help raise awareness and protect against potential risks. Stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety.
Social Media Toolkit