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Measles

Definition

Measles is a very contagious (easily spread) illness caused by a virus.

Causes

Measles is spread by contact with droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person. Sneezing and coughing can put contaminated droplets into the air.

If one person has the measles, 90% of the people who come in contact with that person will get the measles, unless they have been vaccinated.

People who had measles or who have been vaccinated against measles are protected from the disease. As of 2000, measles had been eliminated in the United States. However, unvaccinated people who travel to other countries where measles is common have brought the disease back to the United States. This has led to recent outbreaks of measles in groups of people who are unvaccinated.

Some parents do not let their children get vaccinated. This is because of unfounded fears that the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, can cause autism. Parents and caregivers should know that:

• Large studies of thousands of children have found no connection between this or any vaccine and autism.

• Reviews by all major health organizations in the United States, Great Britain, and elsewhere all found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

• The study that had first reported a risk of autism from this vaccine has been proven to be fraudulent.

Symptoms

Symptoms of measles usually begin 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. This is called the incubation period.

Rash is often the main symptom. The rash:

• Usually appears 3 to 5 days after the first signs of being sick

• May last 4 to 7 days

• Usually starts on the head and spreads to other areas, moving down the body

• May appear as flat, discolored areas (macules) and solid, red, raised areas (papules) that later join together

• Itches

Other symptoms may include:

• Bloodshot eyes

• Cough

• Fever

• Light sensitivity (photophobia)

• Muscle pain

• Red and inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)

• Runny nose

• Sore throat

• Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about symptoms. The diagnosis can be made by looking at the rash and seeing Koplik spots in the mouth. Sometimes measles can be hard to diagnose in which case blood tests may need to be done.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for measles.

The following may relieve symptoms:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• Bed rest

• Humidified air

Some children may need vitamin A supplements, which reduce the risk of death and complications in children who do not get enough vitamin A.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Those who do not have complications such as pneumonia do very well.

Possible Complications

Complications of measles infection may include:

• Irritation and swelling of the main passages that carry air to the lungs (bronchitis)

• Diarrhea

• Irritation and swelling of the brain (encephalitis)

• Ear infection (otitis media)

• Pneumonia

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you or your child has symptoms of measles.

Prevention

Getting vaccinated is a very effective way to prevent measles. People who are not immunized, or who have not received the full immunization, are at high risk of catching the disease if they are exposed.

Taking serum immune globulin within 6 days after being exposed to the virus can reduce the risk of developing measles or make the disease less severe.

It is important to know that taking vitamin A will not prevent measles. In fact, taking too much vitamin A can cause serious illnesses, such as liver damage. Most people in the United States get plenty of vitamin A in their diet.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Measles (rubeola). www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html. Updated May 29, 2024. Accessed May 6, 2025.

Cherry JD, Lugo D. Measles virus. In: Cherry JD, Harrison GJ, Kaplan SL, Steinbach WJ, Hotez PJ, eds. Feigin and Cherry's Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 180.

Gans HA. Measles. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 293.

Maldonado YA, Shetty AK. Rubeola virus: measles and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. In: Long SS, Prober CG, Fischer M, Kimberlin DW, eds. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 227.

Review Date: 7/16/2024

Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 05/07/2025