Measles has become a significant problem over the past few months. Extensive media coverage and online discourse have left many confused: Why are there suddenly so many outbreaks? Why are so many kids getting sick? Is there any way I can prevent the spread of measles? This Comprehensive Guide covers measles using information from top medical sites and journals, allowing you to understand exactly what measles is, the symptoms and progression, what to do if you have been exposed, common misconceptions, the importance of public health awareness, and how to help your community understand the urgency to be vigilant about measles.
What is Measles?
Measles, also referred to as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects young, unvaccinated children, but can also infect unvaccinated adults (or adults who did not build immunity from a previous infection).
Measles is an airborne disease, meaning it spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, or talks. Those droplets can also infect surfaces and objects for up to two hours. People can become infected by inhaling droplets, being around someone with measles (touching, sharing food, etc.), and touching an infected surface and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Many outbreaks started due to a decrease in vaccination rates.
What Are Measles Symptoms and Complications?
Symptoms:
Measles symptoms are generally consistent among children and adults. While symptoms are listed below, they do not develop at the same time. Symptoms usually emerge around 7-14 days after the initial contact with measles. Infected, but fully-vaccinated people’s symptoms tend to be mild, and do not spread the disease to others.
According to the CDC, the Cleveland Clinic, and the Mayo Clinic symptoms of measles include:
- Headache
- High fever (may be as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Red spots with white centers in your mouth (Koplik’s Spots)
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Stomach pain
- Rash
Complications:
In severe cases, complications can occur, especially in children younger than five. These include:
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis – very rare, fatal nervous system disease
How is Measles Diagnosed?
Measles is usually diagnosed by healthcare providers through the patient’s clinical symptoms, such as a rash, Koplik spots, and conjunctivitis. The patient and their family’s history will also be examined for any past infections, vaccinations, and recent travels (domestic and international).
Lab testing is required to confirm if a person has measles, since it’s not a common illness. Your healthcare provider usually collects swab samples from your nose or throat, but may ask for a urine or blood sample.
What is the Infection Timing and Treatment?
According to Minnesota Health, symptoms begin to show around 7-14 days after the initial infection. Around 2-3 days after, Kolpik spots begin to form in the mouth. Around 3-5 days after, or 14 days after the initial infection, a rash will begin to form on the face and neck before possibly spreading down to the chest and arms. The rash can have large, flat spots and/or small, raised bumps. There are no asymptomatic infectious carriers!
The contagious period is from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash onset. The incubation period lasts around 10-12 days from the initial exposure to the first symptoms, and 14 days (range 7-21) from the initial exposure to the rash onset.
Measles usually lasts around 10-14 days, but timing can vary. Recovery usually begins between 10-14 days, and most feel better after 2-3 weeks. However, some complications can last longer.
There is no specific cure or treatment for measles. Instead, measles is treated by managing symptoms and reducing the risk of complications. Healthcare providers may prescribe Vitamin A to support the immune system. Do not take Vitamin A without a doctor’s supervision or prescription — Vitamin A toxicity can cause organ damage!
Who is at Risk?
People, especially children, who are unvaccinated or have received only one dose of the measles vaccine (MMR) are at risk. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and frequent travelers are at a significant risk of infection.
How Can I Prevent Measles?
You can prevent exposure and infection in one major way: vaccination.
The best way to protect yourself and others is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “On average, the vaccine gives lifelong protection from measles for about 97% of people who get two doses of the vaccine”. For people who have received one dose, that percentage drops to 93%. Before getting vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider as they will go over your medical history (pre-existing conditions, allergies, seizures, etc.) and discuss your options. Do not get the measles vaccine if you’re pregnant or have a severely weakened immune system. This is to prevent any further possible complications. Children and adults can get the vaccine.
In some cases, children may need to get vaccinated again. This is because an infection could take away immunity, and children may be more likely to get infected even though they recovered before.
What Do I Do If I Was Exposed to Measles?
If you believe that you have been exposed to measles, notify your healthcare provider immediately. Your healthcare provider will organize a way to conduct samples and tests without putting others at risk. If you are unvaccinated, you may be advised to stay home in quarantine for 21 days. If you are vaccinated, you do not need to be quarantined and can go about your normal day.
Common Misconceptions About Measles:
- The MMR Vaccine causes autism.
This claim is false. The MMR Vaccine has no connection to autism later in life. This claim has been debunked many times by scientists and medical professionals. This conspiracy began with a 1998 medical paper connecting the MMR Vaccine to autism. However the paper was declared fraudulent as the data lacked key points that would have been provided in a traditional study.
- The MMR Vaccine is not effective.
This claim is false. The two-dose MMR vaccine is 97% effective in preventing measles and provides immunity to infection and transmission.
- Vitamin A is dangerous.
This claim is partially true, but misleading. Vitamin A does not provide the same treatment or immunity as the MMR Vaccine, but can help with patient recovery because it boosts the immune system. However, what makes vitamin A dangerous is the risk of Vitamin A toxicity, which can cause organ damage and adverse side effects. Do not take Vitamin A on your own, and instead consult with a medical professional and follow their supplement prescription.
- Measles is a common illness.
This claim is false. In the United States, measles had essentially been wiped out and hadn’t been an issue for decades due to vaccination.
What Can I Do For The Community?
The most important thing you can do for the community is to spread the word about vaccination and express support for nationwide vaccination efforts. As of May 2025, Texas is experiencing the worst outbreaks with over 722 confirmed cases. And it isn’t only Texas, outbreaks are happening all over the country. Petitions are a great way to voice your beliefs. Lets protect our community and in turn, our state and country.
The Importance of Public Health Awareness
While I’m aware many students here at DHS are vaccinated, it’s important to stay updated on public health. Public health safety protects the well-being of our community by preventing the spread of diseases and promoting healthy habits like good hygiene. It also ensures people are aware of the symptoms and risks. Every effort to address public health issues, improve sanitation, and educate the general public about measles is crucial in keeping our community safe. In times of crisis, such as outbreaks, effective public health minimizes the negative impact on those vulnerable to infection and illness.
Petition Against the Unvaccination Act
