Measles
Find answers to frequently asked questions about measles. You can also find information on prevention, symptoms, and treatment.
Measles, also called rubeola, is an illness caused by a virus. The illness spreads easily from person to person.
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Boston, MA 02118
Important Updates
We are closely monitoring measles in Boston. Currently, there are no known infections in Boston.
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Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus.
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Measles spread easily when someone with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can also spread if people touch surfaces or items with the virus on them.
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Measles can cause severe disease and death.
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Measles stopped spreading in the United States in 2000 because the vaccine is very effective. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people couldn't get vaccinated, which led to more measles cases around the world. To continue to keep measles away, at least 95% of people need to be vaccinated.
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Measles is most dangerous for children under 5 years of age and people who are not vaccinated.
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Right now, there is a measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. As of March 13, 2025, 301 people have been affected. 50 people have gone to the hospital, and at least one school-aged child who was not vaccinated has died.
Prevention
The Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, routinely given, and two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
Children should get two doses of the MMR vaccine, one dose at 12-15 months and one dose at 4-6 years.
Adults are immune to measles if they:
- Were born before 1957 or
- Have received at least one MMR vaccine or
- Have had a blood test showing they are immune.
Persons who have had measles in the past have lifelong immunity. A special blood test can identify if you are immune. Adults who were vaccinated before 1968 may have received a less effective version of the vaccine, and should talk to their health care provider to see if they need additional protection. German measles does not protect you from measles.
Unsure if you’re vaccinated? It’s never too late to get the MMR vaccine. Talk with your health care provider about what options are available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions- Anyone who never had measles and has never been vaccinated.
- Babies younger than 12 months old, because they are too young to be vaccinated.
- A very small percentage of vaccinated children and adults who may not have responded well to the vaccine.
Measles virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing virus particles in the air. Another person can then breathe in the virus. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area. A person can spread measles from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears.
Serious problems resulting from measles infection include:
- pneumonia
- seizures
- diarrhea
- ear infections
- brain infections
Measles in pregnant people can cause miscarriage, premature labor, and low birth weight.
If you think a family member might have measles, please call your health care provider right away.
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Measles infection can occur 10-14 days after direct or indirect contact with another person with measles.
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The first symptoms of measles are usually a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Later, people may get white spots in their mouth and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body.
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At least 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who get measles will become very ill and need to go to the hospital.
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Serious effects of measles include dehydration, blindness, brain damage, and pneumonia.
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Measles during pregnancy can be dangerous for the pregnant person and their baby.
Yes. It is never too late for children or adults to get the measles vaccine.
The most common side effects of the MMR vaccine are a sore arm, fever, and rash. There are other less common side effects, such as temporary joint pain or allergic reactions.
Please speak with your health care provider if you have any questions about side effects.
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Every vaccine has some side effects. The side effects are mild and much safer than becoming infected with measles.
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The MMR vaccine does not cause autism. There was a 1998 study that incorrectly linked the vaccine to autism, but it was later removed from the medical journal it was published in for fraud.
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Many people still hold the belief that the MMR vaccine causes autism.
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Signs of autism often begin around the age when children receive the MMR vaccine, which can cause confusion. Several studies have confirmed there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have both confirmed that the MMR vaccine is not responsible for recent increases in the number of children with autism. We recommend the MMR vaccine because it is safe.
Vitamin A is sometimes used as treatment for a person already sick with measles. However, eating a diet high in vitamin A or taking vitamin A supplements cannot prevent measles. In fact, eating or drinking too much vitamin A can cause liver damage, coma, birth defects, and other health problems. Talk to your health care provider before taking vitamin supplements or giving vitamin supplements to children. The best way to prevent measles is to make sure that all members of your family have received the MMR vaccine.
Symptoms
The symptoms of measles generally begin 7-14 days after exposure. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red watery eyes
- Rash
The skin rash usually appears about 3 to 5 days after early symptoms develop. The rash begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. The rash usually lasts 5 to 6 days.
Treatment
What is the treatment for measles?
There is no specific treatment for measles. Most people will recover on their own. You can treat several symptoms with over the counter medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen. It is important to contact your health care provider if you show signs of measles. Inform your health care provider if you are exposed to measles so they can take the correct precautions when evaluating you.
What should I do if I have been exposed to measles?
If you have been exposed to measles, call your health care provider immediately. In some cases, receiving a measles vaccine or medication immediately after exposure can prevent illness or make it less severe.
Resources
Resources
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Have questions or want to connect?
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1010 Massachusetts Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
