Measles

Without vaccination, 90% of people who come into contact with an infected person will get measles. At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, we prioritize prevention and rapid treatment of infectious diseases like measles.

What is measles?

Measles, also called rubeola, is a viral illness that spreads very easily from person to person. It can cause cold-like symptoms, a blotchy red rash and several serious complications.

Cause of measles

Measles illness develops from the measles virus. The virus infects your respiratory system after you inhale it. Then it spreads to nearby lymph nodes and enters your bloodstream, where it travels throughout your body.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Droplets containing the virus get into the air from the person’s nose, mouth or throat.

Each infected person will spread measles to up to 90% of people they come into contact with who are not protected. But vaccination against measles can prevent its spread.

Measles symptoms

Symptoms begin 8 to 12 days after exposure to the virus. The time when you have been infected but don’t yet have symptoms is called the incubation period.

The main symptom of measles is often a rash. This rash usually:

• Appears three to five days after your first symptoms start
• Itches
• Lasts four to seven days
• Looks either flat and discolored or solid, red and raised
• Starts on your face and spreads down your body

Measles can also cause a range of cold-like symptoms, including:

• Cough and sore throat
• Fever
• Light sensitivity
• Muscle pain
• Runny nose
• Small white spots inside your mouth
• Watery, bloodshot eyes

Measles diagnosis

Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam to diagnose measles. They may also do medical tests to check for signs of the measles virus.

You may need other tests, too, such as a:

• Blood test
• Throat or nose swab
• Urine test

Measles risk factors

You have a high risk of getting measles if you haven’t received a measles vaccine. Young children and pregnant people are at especially high risk.

You also face a high risk if you haven’t received both doses of the vaccine. Usually, you receive the vaccine in two doses given several years apart.

Traveling to other countries where measles is common also increases your risk. Outbreaks of measles have occurred in the United States among unvaccinated people due to travel.

Complications of measles

Measles can cause serious complications, especially if you have not received a measles vaccine. It can lead to:

• Ear infections, which can potentially cause lasting hearing loss
• Encephalitis, swelling of your brain that can cause long-term disabilities
• Hospitalization, which can expose you to infection and other health risks
• Pregnancy complications, including premature birth or low birth weight
• Respiratory illness, such as pneumonia or bronchitis

Measles prevention

Vaccination against measles protects you from getting the disease. The MMR vaccine, which is given in two doses, is the most common measles vaccine.

It is a safe and effective way to prevent measles. The vaccine helps you develop immunity to infectious diseases including measles, mumps and rubella.

If you have been exposed to the measles virus, a medication called serum immune globulin can reduce your risk of developing measles. It can also make the infection less severe if you do get sick. You need to take the medication within six days after exposure.