As multiple outbreaks of the measles have popped up across the United States, so too have the number of internet searches for all things about the measles virus. Kara Bruning, MD, Avera pediatrician, and Peter Paul Lim, MD, infectious disease specialist, answer questions and help separate fact from fiction.
How contagious is measles and how is it spread?
Measles is one of the most contagious of any known viral infection. It is more contagious than smallpox, tuberculosis or Ebola. It has an attack rate of 90%, meaning about nine out of 10 susceptible people can be infected if exposed to an infected patient with measles. A person with measles is contagious four days before and four days after the rash eruption. Patients with measles therefore need isolation during this time.
Measles is spread through airborne transmission and direct contact of infectious droplets.
How is measles transmitted?
Much like the viral illnesses that pop up every fall through spring, the measles virus is an airborne virus and is transmitted via coughing, sneezing or other air droplets that can live in the air for two hours. Washing hands, social distancing when appropriate, and practicing good hygiene will help decrease the chance of spreading.
How long is someone with measles contagious?
A person with measles is contagious four days before and four days after the rash eruption. The incubation period is usually 7-21 days (typically 10-14 days) from the time of exposure depending on a patient’s immune status. Immunocompromised patients can take up to 28 days to start having symptoms from time of exposure.
How many vaccines do people need to be protected from measles?
Two doses. That’s all you need to get lifetime protection from the measles. This vaccine has been providing excellent protection from this disease for over 50 years. Avera Health follows the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended vaccine schedule for children:
- First dose: 12-15 months
- Second dose: 4-6 years
Do adults need a measles booster vaccine?
If you completed the vaccination as a child, you are good to go. There is no need to get a booster as an adult. If you only got one shot, if you don’t know, or you don’t have access to your records, you can seek out a single measles vaccination to ensure coverage. The other reasons why you might need a measles vaccination:
- Are immunocompromised or considered high risk
- Have been exposed or are caring for an infected person
Can you still get the measles if you have the vaccine?
It’s rare that a vaccinated person would become infected. One shot of the measles vaccine is 93% effective, two doses boost that efficacy to 97%. It’s very unlikely that you will get sick if you are vaccinated for the measles. Even if you are vaccinated and become infected, that breakthrough case would be significantly less severe.
What should you do if your child is too young for the MMR vaccine but you need to travel?
This is a very good question. There is not a good recommendation for travel for unvaccinated people. The safest thing to do is to not travel if you are concerned about your child and they're under 6 months old. It’s also important to be vaccinated yourself to help protect children who are too young to receive the vaccine.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
It’s typically very hard to initially diagnose because it presents with flu-like symptoms and then starts spreading throughout your body. If you or your child haven’t been vaccinated, you should be seen by a doctor. What to look out for:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Diarrhea
- High fever
- Flat red spots
About three days after those flu-like symptoms the flat red spots start covering the skin like a rash. The spots tend to start at the head and work down the body. You don’t want to wait until the rash appears to seek help because people can be contagious for four days prior to the rash appearing.
How do you treat the measles?
The best way is through preventive vaccination. If you choose not to get vaccinated and do get infected, treating the measles is primarily supportive care and addressing the needs of the symptoms. The biggest concern is the case becoming severe or a patient having a severe side effect. One out of every five children who get the measles will have some sort of severe side effect like ear infection, pneumonia, or brain swelling which is why seeking care and getting a diagnosis early is critical.
Learn more about vaccinations and staying healthy
