Measles (Rubeola)

• Measles Information - For You and Your Family
• Measles Information - For Health Care Providers
• Clinician Fact Sheet - For Health Care Providers
• Comparing Measles, German Measles, and Influenza - For Practitioners
• Measles in Childcare Facilities Fact Sheet
   
• Additional information for health care providers is under "Technical Information" (link at left)

Measles in Arizona

Measles, once a common childhood illness, is no longer widespread in the United States due to the success of this country's measles vaccination program. Consequently, it is rarely found in Arizona. Usually only one case is confirmed every few years, typically when someone from the U.S. becomes infected while traveling overseas or someone from another country travels to the U.S. while infected with measles.

What is measles?

Measles is an acute, highly contagious rash illness caused by the measles virus. It is also sometimes called rubeola.

What are the symptoms of measles?

The major symptom associated with measles is the rash. This rash generally starts on the head and slowly spreads down the rest of the body. Other symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. These symptoms last about a week.

How is measles spread?

When someone with measles sneezes or coughs they can spray infected droplets into the air. These droplets can remain suspended in the air until they are breathed in by someone else, or they may fall out of the air and land on various surfaces. Anyone who touches these surfaces within two or more hours of the contamination and then puts their fingers in their nose or mouth may become infected.

How long can someone spread the virus?

Someone who has measles can start spreading the virus four days before they develop the rash and keep spreading virus until four days after the rash starts.

How soon after infection do symptoms appear?

On average, non-rash symptoms begin 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus.  The rash generally begins about 14 days after exposure to the virus.

What are the complications associated with measles?

Measles can be quite severe. About 20% of individuals sick with measles have one or more complications. About 10% of children with measles will also get an ear infection and about 5% will get pneumonia. For every 1,000 children who get measles, one will develop inflammation of the brain, risking permanent mental damage, and one or two will die.

How is measles treated?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a specific treatment that can be used to stop the virus. Available treatments are directed at taking care of the symptoms and any complications.

Is there a vaccine for measles?

Yes, there is a vaccine that can prevent measles. For more information on this vaccine, please visit the CDC website.

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