Whether you’re looking to protect your family from measles or think you or your child may have it, MU Health Care provides expert support every step of the way.
Measles cases are rising in the U.S., according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Also known as rubeola, red measles or mumps, measles is a highly contagious infection that causes a full-body rash and flu-like symptoms. The best way to protect yourself and your child is through vaccination.
Whether you or your child are due for the measles vaccine, or you have questions about symptoms that may be measles, our pediatric infectious disease team is here to help.
Measles Symptoms
Measles is a viral infection that spreads easily.
It can be transmitted when someone coughs, sneezes or shares food or drinks. Because the virus can travel through the air, you don’t have to be in direct contact to get sick. Just being nearby someone who’s infected can be enough.
Symptoms can vary, but measles often starts with:
- Cold-like symptoms: A high fever, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and a harsh cough.
- Swollen lymph nodes: The glands in your neck may feel tender or enlarged.
- Tiredness and diarrhea: You may feel wiped out and have stomach issues.
- Red, sore eyes: It can appear like a bad case of pink eye.
- Spots and rash: As early symptoms fade, small red spots may appear inside your mouth — followed by a rash that spreads across your body.
Anyone who has had measles once is immune for life. Most people born before 1957 were exposed as children and are considered immune.
When to Seek Care for Measles
Measles is most contagious before the rash appears — from about four days before symptoms show, to four days after the rash starts. That means people can spread it before even realizing they’re sick.
If you think you or your child have been exposed — or symptoms start to show — schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor right away.
Adults tend to feel worse than kids when they get measles, and symptoms usually begin seven to 18 days after exposure. The sooner you or your child get the necessary care, the easier measles is to treat and stop from spreading.
How We Diagnose Measles
If you think you or your child may have measles, start by calling your primary care provider. Once you explain the symptoms, your doctor may ask you to come in for an evaluation. To help protect others, make sure you or your child are wearing a mask, and avoid public transportation if possible.
We’ll discuss your or your child’s symptoms at your appointment, review vaccination history and perform a physical exam. To confirm a measles diagnosis, we may also order a blood test and take a viral culture for lab testing.
How We Treat Measles
Most people recover from measles with home care. Your or your child’s at-home treatment plan may include:
- Medicine to lower fever, if needed
- Plenty of rest
- Staying hydrated with lots of fluids
- Vitamin A supplements, if recommended for your child
To avoid spreading the virus, stay away from others as much as possible. That means no school, daycare, work or public places until at least four days after the rash first appears.
Most people feel better within two weeks. But measles can sometimes lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis) or even seizures or meningitis. If symptoms linger or new ones appear, call your doctor right away.
Vaccines Are the Most Effective Prevention for Measles
The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination.
The measles vaccine is included in the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccines — part of the routine shot schedule for kids in the U.S. and Canada.
Children need two doses for full protection:
- First dose: Between 12 and 15 months.
- Second dose: Between 4 and 6 years.
Protection increases with each dose. One dose is 93% effective, and two are 97% effective at preventing measles.
Travel and Vaccine Timing
If your family is traveling outside the U.S. or Canada, your child may need to receive the measles vaccine earlier than the standard schedule.
- Children over 6 months should get their first dose before travel.
- Children over 12 months should receive two doses, spaced at least 28 days apart, before departure.
If you’re unsure about what your child needs, our care team can make personalized recommendations before your trip.
Why Choose MU Health Care for Measles Care
- Pediatric infectious disease expertise: Our team specializes in diagnosing and managing childhood infections — including complex or rare cases like measles. We care for patients from infancy through young adulthood.
- Coordinated, child-focused care: We partner closely with your child’s primary care provider and other pediatric specialists to ensure seamless, personalized care at every step.
- Early access to diagnosis and treatment: Whether your child needs testing, symptom management or vaccine guidance, our team helps you act quickly to prevent complications and the spread of disease.
- Trusted vaccine guidance: We provide clear, evidence-based information about the measles vaccine — including recommendations before starting school or international travel — to help your family stay on track with immunizations.
- Leading vaccine research: Our team helps advance vaccine research and infectious disease prevention training, bringing a commitment to innovation and public health to every patient visit.
