Symptoms of measles, which include cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, sore throat, fever, and a red, blotchy skin rash, don’t show up until 10 to 14 days after exposure. Measles is a viral infection that is dangerous for young children but is easily prevented by vaccination.
There’s no treatment to get rid of an established measles infection, but over-the-counter fever reducers or vitamin A may help with symptoms.
Extremely rare
Fewer than 1,000 US cases per year
Preventable by vaccine
Treatable by a medical professional
Requires a medical diagnosis
Lab tests or imaging often required
Spreads in various ways
Short-term: resolves within days to weeks
How it spreads
By airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes).
By saliva (kissing or shared drinks).
By touching a contaminated surface.
By skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs).
By mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.
Measles
