What Is Measles?
Measles is a viral infection that spreads easily. It is caused by the measles virus.
The virus is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of an infected person. Less commonly, it can be spread by droplets in the air. It is typically spread in winter and spring.
Symptoms include:
- Fever (often high)
- Runny nose
- Eye irritation
- Cough
- A unique rash
Measles was once a common childhood illness. Now, there are fewer cases of measles in the United States. This is due to the measles vaccine. But, there have been outbreaks in recent years.
You are very unlikely to get measles if you were immunized as a child. However, people who were not vaccinated or were not vaccinated enough are at increased risk.
Measles is caused by a virus. It cannot be treated with antibiotics. Efforts are focused on relieving the symptoms.
What Is the Measles Vaccine?
The measles vaccine consists of live measles viruses made in chicken embryo cells. The viruses found in the vaccine have been made harmless during the manufacturing process.
It is normally given in combination with:
- Mumps and rubella vaccines (MMR)
- Mumps, rubella, and varicella (chicken pox) vaccine (MMRV)
The vaccine is given under the skin.
Who Should Get Vaccinated and When?
All children (with few exceptions) should receive the vaccine two times:
- 12-15 months
- 4-6 years (school entry)—can be given earlier, but the two doses must be separated by at least four weeks
The vaccine can also be given to infants younger than 12 months who will be traveling internationally. These infants should also get the two routine shots at ages 12-15 months and 4-6 years.
Adults born after 1956 who have not been previously vaccinated may need 1-2 doses. Talk with your doctor if you were not previously vaccinated.
What Are the Risks Associated With the Measles Vaccine?
The majority of people who get the vaccine do not have any side effects. The most common side effects are a fever and a rash. Redness and swelling at the injection site may occur. Rare complications include:
- Anaphylaxis —severe, life-threatening allergic reaction
- Deafness
- Seizures—in children inclined to have febrile seizures (convulsion during high fevers)
- Permanent brain damage
Who Should Not Get Vaccinated?
In some cases, the vaccine should be delayed, such as:
- People who are very sick.
- Women who are planning to become pregnant or those who are pregnant
Most children and teens should receive their vaccinations on schedule. However, certain groups should not be vaccinated:
- People with immune system disorders (eg, AIDS)—If you have HIV and are doing well, you should consider getting the vaccine. Measles can be fatal if you have HIV.
- People being treated with drugs that affect the immune system
- People who have cancer or are being treated for cancer with radiation or drugs
- People with a low platelet count
- People who have received another vaccine within the past four weeks
- People who have had a recent transfusion or who have received other blood products
- Pregnant women—Avoid becoming pregnant for at least one month after getting the vaccine.
- Previous severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or its components
What Other Ways Can Measles Be Prevented Besides Vaccination?
If you have the measles, you should be isolated to stop the virus from spreading. For example, children with the measles should stay home until the virus is over.
What Happens in the Event of an Outbreak?
A case of the measles needs to be reported to public health authorities. If you think you or your child has the measles, call the doctor right away.
Anyone who may have been exposed and has not been fully immunized will need to receive the vaccine.