Fact Sheets

Measles

WHAT IS IT?

WHY SHOULD I CARE?

Measles is a viral disease caused by an enveloped RNA virus. It is very contagious, spread from infectious person’s coughs or sneezes via aerosolized particles that enter others through the mouth, nose, or eyes. As a result, those who are not immune can become infected through breathing in the virus. An infected person can spread the disease as early as 5 days before the rash appears and up to 4 days afterward. They’re most contagious while they have a fever, runny nose, and cough which can occur before the rash appears.

• ~9 million cases occur globally each year,
with 136,000 deaths among children

• For about 2 hours, the virus can remain
infectious through the air and on surfaces.
Additionally:

• Although cases are rare where vaccination
coverage is high, sporadic cases do occur
among non-vaccinated people, especially
after travel to endemic areas.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Fever

Pain

Cough

Skin rash

Fatigue

WHAT DO I DO ABOUT IT?

1. Isolate persons ill with measles to avoid spreading the disease to susceptible people.
2. Disinfect surfaces that may have viral particles on them with products effective against
enveloped viruses, following all labels directions.
3. Practice good hand hygiene.
4. Airborne infection isolation rooms and precautions are recommended in healthcare settings.
5. Vaccines
•Preventive vaccines are recommended, starting at 12 months of age with a later booster.
•The vaccine can be given prophylactically within a short time after exposure to those at high risk for acquiring measles.
•Before travel to an area where measles may be endemic, ensure vaccines are up to date, following guidance from public health authorities such as the CDC.

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