Measles: Answers to common questions
With confirmed cases in Iowa, get up to speed on this highly contagious disease.
What is measles?
Measles is an extremely contagious airborne disease caused by a virus. Measles is also rubeola.
Currently there has been an increase in reported cases across several U.S. states (including Iowa), Canada, and Mexico.
How does measles spread?
Measles spreads through breathing in infected droplets in the air, after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. If someone breathes this air, or touches an infected surface and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, they could get measles.
Measles can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after a sick person leaves the area.
A sick person can spread measles to others before they even have symptoms.
Measles is only spread from person to person. Animals cannot get or spread measles.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms typically begin to appear 10 to 14 days after you’ve been around someone with measles or in an area where someone with measles has been within the past two hours. Symptoms may appear up to 21 days after you’ve been exposed to measles.
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Tiny white spots (known as Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin. Not everyone develops these spots.
Measles rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face around the hairline. These spots will spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Sometimes the spots develop small bumps on them. The spots may begin to cluster together as they spread across the body, and the patient’s fever may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit when these rashes appear.
Complications from the disease can include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), blindness, and death.
If you suspect you may have measles or you have a fever and/or a rash along with a cough, runny nose, or red and watery eyes, please call ahead to UI Health Care at 1-800-777-8442 prior to arriving at any health care facility.
It’s also very important that you stay home and away from others unless you need medical care.
If you have not received the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella), there is more than a 90% chance you will become sick if you are around someone who is sick with measles or in an area where someone with measles has been within the past two hours.
Measles can be serious in all age groups, but it is especially dangerous for babies and children less than five years old.
Other groups that are more likely to experience measles complications:
- Those who are pregnant
- Those with weakened immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection
The best way to protect against measles is through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) vaccine which protects against chickenpox, too. The vaccine is the best way to prevent becoming sick from measles. When both doses are given, it prevents 97% of infections.
It is rare but people may get measles after being fully vaccinated. In this small group of people, the symptoms tend to be mild, and the vaccine helps prevent severe illness.
People who have not received the MMR vaccine have a more than 90% chance of getting measles if they are around someone who is sick with measles or in an area where someone with measles has been within the past two hours.
Most people who are vaccinated with the MMR or MMRV vaccine will be protected for life and do not require a booster.
MMR vaccinations are available at UI Health Care, your local health care provider’s office, and at public health offices. For more information about receiving an MMR vaccination through UI Health Care, call 1-800-777-8442.
It is recommended that children receive two doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine: one at 12-15 months old and the second at four to six years old.
This second dose could be moved up and given to a child between the ages of 1 and 4 years old in certain circumstances. Talk to your child’s health care provider to see if this is a good idea for them.
Is it possible to get measles even after I’ve been vaccinated?
Just like other viral infections, people may get measles after being fully vaccinated. In this small group of people, the symptoms tend to be mild, and the vaccine helps prevent severe illness. When both doses of the MMR vaccine are given, it is effective 97% of the time in preventing illness from the measles.
What if I can’t get vaccinated? What if my child isn’t old enough to be vaccinated?
The best way to protect children under 12 months old and others who cannot be vaccinated—including those who are pregnant, are allergic to vaccine ingredients, or are immunocompromised—is to make sure that everyone around them is vaccinated.
If you are traveling internationally or to an area with an active measles outbreak with a 6 to 12-month-old, that child may be a candidate for an extra “early” dose of MMR. Talk to your child’s health care provider to learn more.
What do I do if I’ve been exposed to measles?
If you have been around someone with measles or in an area where someone with measles has been within the past two hours, you could be at risk of becoming sick.
A confirmed case of measles was recently reported in Johnson County. Fill out Johnson County Public Health’s survey if you believe you may have been exposed to measles. You can call Johnson County Public Health at 319-356-6040 to be directed to next steps even if you think you’ve been exposed to measles outside of Johnson County.
You should also make sure your vaccinations are up to date. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to protect against measles. When both doses are given, it prevents 97% of infections.
Be aware of the first signs of measles, which include high fever, runny nose, watery eyes, and rash. If you notice these symptoms, call your health care provider. It’s essential that you call your health care provider before arriving for an appointment, as this will help minimize the risk of exposing others to the virus.
Can I get the MMR vaccine if I am pregnant?
No, you should not receive a dose of the MMR vaccine if you are pregnant. Talk to your health care provider about other ways to keep you and your unborn child protected from measles.
Is it safe to get the MMR vaccine if I’m unsure of my vaccination history?
Yes, it is safe to receive the MMR vaccine even if you’re unsure of your vaccination history and don’t have access to your medical records. Receiving an additional dose poses no harm, even if you’ve been vaccinated before.
Most people who are vaccinated with the MMR or MMRV vaccine will be protected for life and do not require a booster. Talk to your health care provider to figure out the best vaccination plan for you.
Wondering about your vaccination status? You can view this in your MyChart account under “immunizations.”
Is it possible to move up my child’s vaccination schedule?
Children under 12 months old are typically too young to get vaccinated for measles except for in special circumstances. If you are traveling internationally or to an area with an active measles outbreak with a 6 to 12-month-old, that child may be a candidate for an extra “early” dose of MMR. Talk to your child’s health care provider to learn more.
The second dose of MMR is recommended for children between 4 and 6 years old. This second dose could be moved up and given to a child between the ages of 1 and 4 years old in certain circumstances. Talk to your child’s health care provider to see if this is a good idea for them.
Should I get my measles antibodies measured?
A titer test is a blood test that measures the antibodies in your blood to determine your immunity to a specific disease. It is likely a better option to receive a dose of the MMR vaccine, rather than testing for titers which may not be fully accurate. Talk to your health care provider for guidance.
Does Vitamin A help prevent or treat measles?
Vitamin A does not prevent nor treat measles.
When someone has measles and their Vitamin A levels are low, they are more likely to have severe disease. Many patients with measles will be given Vitamin A to be sure their body has enough. If someone takes too much vitamin A or takes it for too long, the Vitamin A itself can make that person sick.
Do not take Vitamin A for measles prevention.