Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially for babies and young children.

What are the symptoms of measles?

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • A rash which begins at the face and spreads down the body

How does measles spread?

The measles virus travels through the air. A sick person can spread measles by coughing, sneezing, breathing, or talking. People can get measles when they breathe air with the measles virus, or if they get the virus on their hands and touch their face. Measles can stay in the air for up to two hours, so people can get measles even after a sick person has left the area.

How can we prevent measles?

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the strongest protection against measles. Children normally get the MMR vaccine at one year and four years of age. If people haven’t been vaccinated against measles as a child, they can get the MMR vaccine as an adult. Getting the MMR vaccine is safer than getting sick with measles, and it protects your family and your community.

Most people who get measles in the United States are unvaccinated. When infected people come into contact with a population that includes unvaccinated people or those with weakened immune systems, the virus can spread. People who travel to areas with known measles cases are at risk of getting the disease if they are not vaccinated. People who travel outside the country to areas where measles is common can bring it into the U.S. Getting the measles vaccine is the best way to protect yourself.

If you have any questions about measles vaccination, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

For more detailed information about measles and the vaccines that prevent it, visit the Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine page.

Measles Vaccine Requirements

Washington state requires children entering childcare, kindergarten, or grade school to be vaccinated against measles. You can read more about this requirement on our school and childcare immunizations information web page.

Staff and volunteers at a childcare center, Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), or head start preschool are required to provide documentation showing they have received the MMR vaccine or have immunity from measles. You can read more about this requirement on our MMR Requirement FAQ.

Measles Activity and Surveillance

Visit the Measles Notifiable Conditions page for a summary of measles reporting and testing resources.

View the Measles Cases and Outbreaks web page from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to see measles cases reported in the United States.

Resources and Materials

For Local Health Jurisdictions and Healthcare Providers

  • Measles Communications Toolkit for Washington State Partners (PDF)
    Resources for addressing misinformation, promoting vaccine safety, and strengthening community health
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  • Immunization Response Guide: Measles (PDF)
    This partner guide lays out immunization-specific needs in a measles response including key considerations and response strategies. The focus is on general vaccine guidance, distribution, policy considerations, staffing considerations, Immunization Information System (IIS) utilization and communication strategies.
     
  • Measles Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for Non-Symptomatic Susceptible Contacts (PDF)
    This guidance discusses two types of PEP for measles: MMR vaccine or immune globulin (IG). It provides recommended dosing and timing for measles PEP, as well as contraindications and precautions for IG. There’s guidance for public health officials and health care providers to use in reviewing and updating their plan to obtain IG doses when needed for measles PEP.