Measles

Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000. Today, the CDC is reporting outbreaks of cases in several counties throughout the United States, including one death.

Measles is so contagious that 9 out of 10 unprotected people can get it if they are exposed to an infected person.

Measles Can Be Serious

• About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the US who get measles will be hospitalized.
• 1 out of every 1,000 people with measles will develop brain swelling, which could lead to brain damage.
• As many as 1 in 20 children with measles get pneumonia.
• 1 to 3 out of 1,000 people with measles will die, even with the best care.

Initial Symptoms

7 - 21 days post-exposure:

• High fever (may spike to >104°F)
• Cough
• Red eyes
• Runny nose
• Small bluish spots surrounded by red region on the inside of cheek

Rash

3 - 5 days after fever onset:

• A red, blotchy rash begins on the face at the hairline and progresses downward and outward towards the hands and feet.

Travel

21 days before onset:

• Have you traveled anywhere in the last 21 days where measles cases have been reported?
• Have you had contact with someone who has measles?

MMR Vaccination Can Eliminate Measles

The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. If you are not sure whether you are up to date on the measles vaccination, talk with your healthcare provider!

• 1 dose is 92-95% effective against measles
• 2 doses are 97-99% effective against measles

Vaccine Recommendations Summary

Under One Year of Age

Under routine circumstances, MMR is not recommended for children under 12 months of age. MMR can be given to children as young as six months of age if they have been exposed, if they are in an outbreak setting, or if they are travelling to a measles-endemic area. Children who receive MMR before their first birthday should receive two additional doses according to the routine schedule. 

1-6 Years Old

The first MMR dose is recommended at 12-15 months of age. The second MMR dose is recommended at 4-6 years of age.  If both doses are needed for catch-up, they should be given at least 28 days apart. 

7-19 Years Old

Children who have not received two doses of MMR should get the vaccine. If both doses are needed for catch-up, they should be given at least 28 days apart. 

Adults

Adults who have not had two doses of MMR and have not had the measles should get the vaccine if they meet the following criteria: 

• Born after 1957
• Attend school beyond high school (e.g., college, trade school)
• Work or volunteer in a healthcare facility of any type
• Travel internationally, including on cruise ships
• Women of childbearing age (and not currently pregnant)

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women should not receive the MMR vaccine.

People Exposed to Measles

People exposed to measles should receive MMR within 72 hours of exposure if they are:

• Not fully vaccinated or had measles, and 
• Born after 1957, and
• Over six months of age, and
• Not pregnant, and 
• Not immunocompromised

What To Do If You Think You Might Have Measles

• Call your healthcare provider and tell them you may have measles. They will give you instructions on how to be seen safely.
• You should not sit in the waiting room or come through the main entrance because if you do have measles, anyone in that area who is not vaccinated (like babies) will get sick.
• Stay home until you see your healthcare provider.

If you have questions about measles, call us at 641-832-3500 or Iowa HHS at 1-800-362-2736.