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Measles

Get the facts about measles, how it spreads, its symptoms, and how vaccination can protect you and your community.

measles

Measles, also known as Rubeola, is a highly contagious virus that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals. Vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the best prevention.

With a 99% vaccination rate among VU students, the risk of transmission within our campus community remains low.

Symptoms

The measles virus progresses through three distinct phases: 

Incubation Period: 

The incubation period is typically 11-12 days from the time a person is exposed to the virus until their first symptom appears.

Prodromal Phase (Early Symptoms)

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin

Rash Phase:

  • Appears 2-4 days after the first symptom(s).
  • Usually begins as flat red spots appearing on the face, which then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
  • Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
  • A fever may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit when the rash appears.
  • Rash usually lasts 5-6 days
Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (2024). Measles (Rubeola) Clinical Diagnosis Fact Sheet. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/communication-resources/clinical-diagnosis-fact-sheet.html 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I’ve been exposed to someone who has measles. What should I do?

    Immediately call your healthcare provider to determine if you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or other laboratory evidence. 

    If you are unvaccinated, your healthcare provider may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis, such as the MMR vaccine or a medicine called Immune globulin (IG), to help reduce your risk of developing measles.

    If you are not immune and do not receive post-exposure prophylaxis, you may be advised to stay home (quarantine) for 21 days from your last known exposure.  

  • I think I have measles. What should I do?

    Immediately call your healthcare provider, who can make special arrangements to evaluate you, if needed, without putting other patients and medical office staff at risk.

  • How do I know if I’m protected against measles?

    The CDC considers you protected from measles if you have written documentation showing at least one of the following: 

    • You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, and you are: 
      • A school-aged child (grades K-12) 
      • An adult who will be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission. This includes students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers. 
    • You received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and you are: 
      • A preschool-aged child 
      • An adult who will not be in a high-risk setting for measles transmission 
    • A laboratory confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life. 
    • A laboratory confirmed that you are immune to measles. 
    • You were born before 1957. 
    •  
  • I am an adult with only 1 dose of the measles vaccine. Do I need a second dose?

    If you were born after 1957, one dose of measles vaccine is sufficient to be considered protected from measles. However, certain adults may need two doses.  

    If you are going to be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, you should receive a 2nd dose. Adults considered to be in a high-risk setting include: 

    • Students at post-high school education institutions 
    • Healthcare personnel 
    • International travelers 
    • People who public health authorities determine are at increased risk for getting measles during a measles outbreak
  • I have received 2 doses of the measles vaccine. Do I need a booster?

    No. The CDC considers people who received two doses of measles vaccine as children according to the U.S. vaccination schedule protected for life.

  • What should I do if I don’t know my immunity status?

    First, try to find your vaccination records. If you do not have written documentation of measles immunity, you should get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.  

    There is no harm in getting another dose of MMR vaccine if you may already be immune to measles (or mumps or rubella).  

  • Where can adults get the MMR vaccine?

    Your healthcare provider’s office is usually the best place to receive routine vaccinations. However, the MMR vaccine may also be available at local pharmacies or health departments. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a location near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment.

  • How do I know if I received the killed measles vaccine in the 1960’s?

    If you’re unsure if you received the killed measles vaccine (given between 1963 and 1967), you should first try to find your vaccination records or documentation of measles immunity.  

    If your vaccination reflects you received the killed measles vaccine, you should talk with your healthcare provider about getting revaccinated with the current, live MMR vaccine. 

    If you cannot find written documentation of measles immunity, you should talk with your healthcare provider about get vaccinated with the current, live MMR vaccine. 

Related Links:

TN Department of Health: Measles (Rubeola)

CDC: Measles (Rubeola)