Measles is an incredibly contagious disease that can create serious, sometimes life-threatening complications.
In recent months, measles has been confirmed in areas of the United States with lower vaccination rates. A recent case involving an unvaccinated child in Suffolk County highlights concerns about the disease’s resurgence on Long Island.
The good news is that measles is preventable with vaccination. Staying informed about how measles spreads, recognizing early symptoms, and understanding vaccination guidelines are some of the best ways to protect yourself, your family and your community.
How Can You Prevent Measles?
The best way to prevent measles is through receiving the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is given in two doses:
- First dose: 12-15 months of age.
- Second dose: 4-6 years of age.
- An early dose is recommended for children aged 6-11 months who will be traveling to a setting where measles is prevalent. These children will still need the two routine doses mentioned above.
Children develop lasting immunity from the MMR vaccine.
What Happens if You or Your Child Are Exposed to Measles and Are Unvaccinated?
Do the following if you or your child have (or may have) been exposed to measles and are unvaccinated:
- Get vaccinated immediately: Receiving the MMR vaccine within 3 days of exposure can reduce the risk of infection.
- Children under 6 months cannot be vaccinated yet, but may have some immunity from antibodies passed to them during pregnancy.Children 6 months to 12 months should receive their first MMR vaccine in an outbreak setting. They will still need the standard 2-dose series after age 12 months.
- Children 12 months and older should receive their first dose of MMR in addition to other routinely recommended vaccines at that age. A second dose of MMR vaccine can be given 28 days after the first dose to further protect children during an outbreak.
- Quarantine: Health experts recommend that unvaccinated individuals quarantine for 21 days after exposure to avoid spreading the disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Measles?
Measles symptoms usually appear 8-12 days after exposure and include the following:
- Rash (starting from the head and spreading down the body)
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red/watery eyes
- Koplik spots (small, white spots inside the mouth – typically in the cheek area)
Additional symptoms/complications may include:
- Diarrhea
- Ear infections
- Pneumonia
How is Measles Spread?
Measles is very contagious and spreads rapidly through the air and by direct contact. The measles virus can linger in the air for several hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. It therefore does not require close contact with an infected person. Additionally, the virus can survive for up to two hours on contaminated surfaces.
How Long is Measles Contagious?
A person with measles is contagious from about four days before the rash appears to four days after it starts. This means someone can spread the virus before they even know they are sick.
Can You Get Measles if You Were Vaccinated?
The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one dose of the vaccine is about 93 percent effective in preventing infection, while two doses increase protection to 97-99 percent.
Although rare, breakthrough cases of measles can occur in people who have been vaccinated. However, symptoms are typically milder and less likely to cause serious complications when this happens.
What Should You Do (and Not Do) if You or Your Child Has Measles?
- Call your medical provider and schedule a telehealth visit. Telehealth visits are recommended to avoid exposing others to the virus.
- Do not send your child to school, daycare or public spaces until at least 4 days after the rash appears (when they are no longer contagious).
- Avoid contact with unvaccinated people and individuals with compromised immune systems.
What Should You Do if a Measles Outbreak Occurs at School?
Unvaccinated children should be excluded from school during a measles outbreak.
If a child receives their first MMR dose within 72 hours of exposure, they can usually return to school.
Unvaccinated children who remain unvaccinated should stay home for 21 days after the last known exposure. Your healthcare provider will advise when it’s safe for your child to return to school in this situation.
The Importance of Vaccination to Protect Your Child, Your Family and Your Community
Measles vaccination protects your child, your family and vulnerable populations in your community (such as infants and individuals with weakened immune systems).
It’s harder for diseases like measles to spread if most of a community is vaccinated – a concept called “herd immunity.”
Prevention starts with you! Stay up to date on your vaccinations and help stop the spread of measles in your community.
Contact your pediatrician immediately if you’re unsure about your child’s vaccination status or believe that they may have been exposed to measles.
Resources for Additional Information
In this episode of HEALTH Yeah!, Stony Brook Medicine experts discuss measles and what you need to know about symptoms, exposure and protection.
