If you have been exposed to a measles case, check your vaccination status and watch for symptoms, especially starting around a week later.
Measles outbreaks are becoming more common in the U.S. (You can read Those Nerdy Girls’ latest update on measles here.)
What should you do if there is a confirmed case near you?
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. In fact, it is the most contagious known human virus. Almost everyone exposed to the virus, who is not vaccinated, will get sick. It passes from person to person through very tiny droplets in the air, which can remain active in enclosed spaces for up to two hours.
The good news is that the vaccine works very well at preventing sickness. Around 97% of vaccinated people who are exposed to the virus will stay healthy! It is given in two shots: the first shot at one year of age, and the second around 4-6 years of age. If you are living in an area with an outbreak, the first dose may be given earlier, around 6 months [archived link] of age.
If you have been exposed to a measles case, there are clear steps you can take to stay safe:
Check your vaccination status.
- If you are vaccinated, you are most likely safe. However, you should still watch for symptoms.
- If you are not vaccinated or you don’t know your vaccination status, get vaccinated. If you do not have access to your vaccination record, getting revaccinated for measles won’t hurt you.. You want to act right away.
- If you receive the vaccine within 72 hours of being exposed, the vaccine may still work at least to some extent. You may not get measles, or you may get a milder case.
Note: If you decide to stay unvaccinated and you have been exposed, quarantine (stay away from people for about 3 weeks or until you are sure you aren’t sick).
Watch for symptoms.
- We know measles has a typical incubation period of 11-12 days, though it can show up as late as 4 weeks after exposure. This means that you probably won’t feel sick right away. Think of it like the virus is brewing.
- After that period of time, a person with measles will have symptoms, but not necessarily the characteristic rash. During this phase, you may experience a high fever up to 103℉ – 105℉ (approx. 39.4-40.6 Celsius), a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and maybe Koplik spots (blueish-white spots found inside the mouth), all characteristics of measles.
- A few days later, a rash appears, usually starting at the hairline, moving to the neck, face, and then down the rest of the body. You may still have a high fever.
If symptoms develop, take care of yourself and others around you.
- Reach out to a medical professional. Measles is a disease that we try to track among communities. It should be reported to a clinician, even if you aren’t that sick. This helps us keep outbreaks smaller.
- Unfortunately, there is a long time you must be away from others. Three weeks (or 21 days) of isolation are required in order to keep your community safe.
- There is no specific treatment for measles. However, there are ways to make it less miserable, just like other illnesses such as COVID-19 or the flu. Drink lots of water. Rest. You may need to take an over-the-counter fever-reducer (like Tylenol) or a cough medicine to help with your symptoms.
- If you get measles, it is common to get additional bacterial infections (similar to getting an ear infection when you get a cold). You may need an antibiotic to treat these, but antibiotics do not fight measles.
Further reading:
CDC: Measles Vaccination [archived link]
Stay healthy! Stay safe!
