What You Need to Know About Measles

Several regions across the United States are experiencing confirmed measles outbreaks, prompting public concern. Here’s what you need to know about who is at risk, how to recognize symptoms and the most effective ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community.

There is no known treatment for measles. However, the disease is effectively prevented through vaccination. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93% effective after 1 dose and 97% effective after the recommended 2 doses.

Before the vaccine became available in 1963, measles infected an estimated 3 to 4 million people annually in the United States, with 500,000 reported cases and 500 deaths each year. In 2024, there were 285 reported measles cases and no deaths.

“At least 2 generations of families have no memory of the days when everybody got measles,” said Stephen Lauer, MD, pediatrician at The University of Kansas Health System. “It was largely gone from the United States and now is starting to creep back in with those declining vaccination rates.”

“If you know that you have immunity, if you have been vaccinated and if your loved ones have been vaccinated, you will be safe from the disease,” added Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical director of infection prevention and control at the health system.

Measles, also called rubeola, is a highly contagious virus that can pose a serious health threat to those who are not immune. Measles spreads through respiratory droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can survive in the air up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the area. Measles can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces. Nine out of 10 unvaccinated individuals will contract measles if exposed.

Symptoms typically appear 10-14 days after exposure to the virus and may include:

• Fever, cough and runny nose
• Conjunctivitis (red, inflamed, watery eyes)
• Koplik spots (small white spots inside the mouth that appear 2-3 days after symptoms begin)
• Rash, which may be flat or raised and is usually not itchy, beginning at the head and spreading downward to the hands and feet

Measles is contagious from 4 days before rash onset to 4 days after the rash appears. A person with measles can infect others even before knowing they have the disease.

Measles primarily affects those who are unvaccinated. If you’ve received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine – or had measles before the introduction of the vaccine in 1963 – you are considered immune and are unlikely to develop measles. The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination.

If you are uncertain whether you’ve been vaccinated, check your immunization records or documentation of measles immunity. Current health system patients can view or download their immunization records via MyChart.

If you do not have written documentation of measles immunity, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. There’s no harm in receiving an additional dose of MMR vaccine, even if you’re already immune or were recently exposed to measles.

General guidance:

• Born before 1957: You are likely immune from childhood exposure to measles.
• Born 1957-1967: You may have received an inactivated vaccine; re-vaccination may be advised.
• Born 1968-1977: You may have received 1 dose of live vaccine but may not have received the recommended 2 doses.
• Born after 1977: You likely received 2 doses and are considered immune.

To learn more, read the measles vaccine recommendations.

If you were born before 1957 and had childhood exposure to measles, or if you received 2 documented doses of live measles vaccine after 1977, you are considered to have lifelong immunity and do not need a booster. All others should ask their healthcare provider about vaccination or re-vaccination.

In developing countries, vitamin A has been shown to reduce measles complications due to malnutrition. In the United States, vitamin A is not recommended as prevention or treatment for measles. Vitamin A has not been shown to help or improve measles outcomes. However, vitamin A toxicity poses a serious risk and has been reported during the current outbreak. There is no treatment or cure for active measles disease. Vaccination is the only proven prevention.

• Contact your doctor’s office and describe your symptoms. You may need to schedule an appointment; telehealth may be recommended. Tell your care team if you suspect you have measles. Your care team will take precautions to avoid risk to others. You may be met outside and given a mask before entering any medical facility.
• Your healthcare provider will determine your measles immunity based on your age, vaccination documentation or lab results.
• Rest, stay hydrated and manage symptoms with over-the-counter medication as needed.
• Isolate immediately. If you must leave home, wear a mask in public to avoid spreading infection.

Seek urgent medical attention if you or a loved one experiences:

• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Severe dehydration
• High, persistent fever
• Neurological symptoms such as confusion, severe headache or seizures
• Severe, painful cough or bloody mucus

If possible, notify the emergency room prior to your arrival. Wear a mask in all public spaces, and let staff know at check-in that you may have measles.

Find helpful information or monitor the measles outbreak via the following sources: