Measles is a highly contagious viral infection. It is caused by the measles virus.
The virus is spread, typically in winter and spring, by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of an infected person. Less commonly, it can be spread by droplets in the air. Measles is contagious:
Symptoms include:
Symptoms usually begin within 8-12 days following exposure. The rash lasts about 4-6 days. Full recovery can take 7-10 days. In severe cases (or in people with immune disorders), serious brain infection or pneumonia can happen when recovering from measles. Permanent brain damage and death are very rare in the developed world.
Measles was once a common childhood illness. Now, there are far fewer cases of measles in the US. This is due to the measles vaccine.
Despite its success, there continue to be periodic measles outbreaks in the US. Although you are very unlikely to contract measles if properly immunized as a child, unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated individuals are at increased risk of measles if they:
Because measles is caused by a virus, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Efforts are focused on relieving the symptoms, such as:
The measles vaccine consists of live measles viruses made in chicken embryo cells. The viruses found in the vaccine have been made harmless during the manufacturing process.
Although it is available as a single vaccine, it is normally given in combination with:
The vaccine is given under the skin.
All children (with few exceptions) should receive the measles vaccine two times:
The second dose can be given earlier, but the two doses must be separated by at least four weeks.
Infants aged 6-11 months can receive their first dose if they are exposed to a measles epidemic or will be travelling abroad. However, they should still receive the other two doses as normally scheduled for a total of three doses.
For catch-up vaccination, for those aged 18 years and who have not been vaccinated, two doses of MMR are given, separated by four weeks or longer.
Adults, aged 19-49 years, who have not been previously vaccinated, get one dose. Those who work in healthcare or a school setting, and those at high risk of exposure to mumps, should get two doses. For adults 50 years and older who have not been vaccinated, one dose is given to those considered at high risk. *
In general, all older teens and adults should be vaccinated unless they meet one of the following criteria for measles immunity:
The majority of people who get the vaccine do not have any side effects. The most common side effects are a fever (103ºF or higher) and a rash. Redness and swelling at the injection site may occur. Rare complications include:
Most children and teens should receive their vaccinations on schedule. However, for certain groups of people, the risks outweigh the benefits:
If you have close contact with someone who is at risk for the measles, you should get the vaccine. This will help stop the virus from spreading.
In some cases, the vaccine should be delayed, such as:
If you have the measles, the main approach is to isolate you to stop the virus from spreading. For example, children with the measles should stay home until the virus is over.
For people who have been exposed to the virus and are not vaccinated, the immunoglobulin (IG) shot can be given. The shot contains antibodies against the virus. If it is within six days of exposure, the shot can protect you. IG is especially important for:
IG is not for those who have received at least one vaccination after 12 months of age, unless they have an immune system disorder.
A case of the measles needs to be reported to public health authorities. If you think your child has the measles, call the doctor right away.
In the event of an outbreak, people who were potentially exposed within the past two weeks should be vaccinated.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Children’s Health Topics: Immunizations/Vaccines
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/immunizations.cfm
National Immunization Program
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
References:
*Updated Who Should Get Vaccinated and When section on 1/31/2008 according to the following study, as cited by DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0-18 years—United States, 2008. MMWR. 2008;57;Q1-Q4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5701a8.htm. Updated January 10, 2008. Accessed January 28, 2008.
Last reviewed November 2009 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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