You may have heard recent news reports about a measles outbreak in Texas. Getting the MMR vaccine is the best way to keep from getting the measles. If you haven’t gotten the vaccine yet, it’s important to be aware of potential symptoms. There is no specific treatment for measles. Vaccination is the only way to prevent the disease.
If you think you or your child has been exposed to someone with the measles, call your doctor or clinic right away to find out if you need to be tested or if you can be vaccinated.
Signs and symptoms
Measles symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after contact with the virus. Look for:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
About 2-3 days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots can appear inside the mouth. After 3-5 days, a measles rash will appear.
How does measles spread?
Measles is a very contagious virus. It can spread to others when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People can become infected if they breathe the contaminated air and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
An infected person can spread measles to others before they know they have the disease. Measles can spread to others from 4 days before through 4 days after the rash appears. Many cases start with unvaccinated people who catch the virus after traveling to other countries where measles is spreading.
My child is showing symptoms – what should I do?
If you think you or your child have been exposed to measles, call your provider right away.
Learn more about measles
Check out these helpful resources to stay prepared:
