Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A measles rash usually appears several days later, beginning on the face and spreading downward across the body.
If you think you or your child may have measles, contact your healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility.
What Are the First Symptoms of Measles?
Measles symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after contact with the virus. Early symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
About two to three days after symptoms begin, Koplik spots, which are tiny white spots, may appear inside the mouth.
What Does a Measles Rash Look Like?
A measles rash typically appears three to five days after the first symptoms. It usually begins as flat red spots on the face at the hairline and spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. Small raised bumps may also appear, and spots may join together as the rash spreads.
How Does Measles Spread?
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
How Is Measles Diagnosed?
Contact your healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility if you think you or your child may have measles.
Healthcare providers evaluate suspected measles based on symptoms and clinical findings. Laboratory testing is used to confirm suspected measles cases.
If you or your child develops severe symptoms or appears to be experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
What Are the Complications of Measles?
Measles can cause serious health complications.
Common complications can include:
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea
More serious complications can include:
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis, or swelling of the brain
- Hospitalization
- Death
People at increased risk of serious complications include:
- Children younger than 5
- Adults older than 20
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
How Can You Prevent Measles?
The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles.
The first routine MMR dose is recommended at 12–15 months of age and the second dose at 4–6 years of age.
Older children and adults who don't have evidence of immunity may also need MMR vaccination. Talk with your healthcare provider about your vaccination status and whether you need an MMR vaccine.
Measles Information
Resources: Measles Symptoms and Complications | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC
Measles FAQ
Measles typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Symptoms generally begin seven to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
A measles rash usually begins with flat red spots on the face near the hairline. It then spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. Small raised bumps may also appear.
The rash typically starts on the face at the hairline before spreading down the body.
Symptoms usually develop seven to 14 days after contact with the measles virus.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air of a room for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.
People with measles are generally considered contagious from four days before through four days after the rash appears.
Contact your healthcare provider before visiting a healthcare facility if you think you have measles or have been exposed. Calling ahead allows the facility to take precautions to help prevent exposing others.
Yes. Measles can cause serious complications including pneumonia and encephalitis, or swelling of the brain. Babies, young children and some other groups have an increased risk of complications.
The MMR vaccine provides the best protection against measles. Two doses provide the best protection.