What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that commonly causes a rash and fever. Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children under 5. Adults over 20 years of age, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are also more likely to suffer from measles complications. Severe complications can include pneumonia (a serious lung infection), encephalitis (swelling of the brain), deafness, and other long-term consequences. In rare cases, measles can be deadly. About 1 in 5 people in the U.S. who get measles will be hospitalized.

Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000 thanks to a highly effective vaccination program. However, measles remains common in many parts of the world. Outbreaks can occur in the U.S. if measles is brought into the United States by unvaccinated travelers, including both Americans and foreign visitors, who get sick while they are in other countries

What are symptoms of measles?

Measles typically starts with cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a fever that can get very high. Three to five days after these symptoms begin, a rash will begin to develop. The rash looks like tiny, red spots that start at the head and spread down to the rest of the body. If you think you or your child might have measles, call your healthcare provider immediately.

How is measles spread?

Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can catch measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been, up to 2 hours after that person has left. Infected people can spread measles to others four days before they have a measles rash and four days after the rash appears. Someone who has not had the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (called the MMR vaccine) or a prior infection is highly likely to get measles if they are exposed to the measles virus.

How can I protect myself and my child?

The best protection against measles is the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against measles. Adults who are not sure if they have had the vaccine or if they had a prior measles infection should contact their medical provider.

Doctors recommend that most children get the first dose of the MMR vaccine at the age of 12 to 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. The MMR vaccine protects your child from measles, and also against mumps and rubella.

For those who travel internationally, all children older than 6 months should receive the MMR vaccine. Talk with your health care provider about protecting your baby at least 4 weeks prior to departure. Infants who are too young to be vaccinated should avoid contact with sick people or situations where they may be exposed to sick people. Adults who are travelling internationally may need 1 or 2 doses of MMR vaccine depending on their vaccination history. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/measles/plan-for-travel.html for more information.

What should I do if I have been exposed to someone with measles?

If you have been exposed to someone who has measles, you should immediately call your healthcare provider and let them know. Your healthcare provider can determine if you are immune, and can make special arrangements to evaluate you without putting other patients or medical staff at risk.

If you are not immune to measles, MMR vaccine or a medicine called immune globulin may help reduce your risk of developing measles. Your healthcare provider can advise you about whether these are necessary.

If you are not immune to measles and do not get vaccine or immune globulin, you should stay home and isolate for 21 days to ensure that you do not get others sick.

What is the risk of measles in Chicago?

Most individuals in Chicago are protected from measles because they were vaccinated as children. However, some children under the age of 12 months or those with weakened immune systems may not be able to receive the vaccine. Since 2011, there have been several confirmed cases of measles in Chicago, largely related to international travel. Travelers returning to Chicago from areas experiencing ongoing measles outbreaks, both in the U.S. and abroad, might be at risk of spreading measles within the city if they are unvaccinated.

Is the MMR vaccine safe?

Yes. The MMR vaccine is very safe and it is effective at preventing measles (as well as mumps and rubella). Most children don’t have any side effects from the MMR shot. If side effects do occur, they are usually mild and can include fever, pain or redness where the shot was given, or mild rash.

Is there a link between the MMR vaccine and autism?

No. Scientists in the United States and other countries have carefully studied the MMR vaccine and have found no link between autism and the MMR vaccine.

What should I do if I’m unsure whether I am immune to measles?

If you are unsure whether you or your child has received the MMR vaccine, contact your healthcare provider to discuss your or your child’s immunization records. Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry, Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE), can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can call 311 or visit www.chicago.gov/health to locate a CDPH walk-in immunization clinic where MMR vaccine is provided for no out-of-pocket cost to any child 0–18 years and uninsured adults 19 and older.