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Measles
Measles cases are increasing across the U.S. and outbreaks are occurring nationally and globally.
Measles can be serious, especially for babies and young children, but is preventable through vaccination. Protect your family and community by making sure everyone is up to date on measles vaccine.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles and notify them before seeking care so steps can be taken to prevent exposure to other individuals.
Check your vaccine status!
Check with your primary care provider to see if you and your family are up-to-date with measles vaccine.
- Children should receive two doses, at age 1 year and 4 years. Children traveling abroad or to outbreak areas may be vaccinated as early as 6 months.
- Any child 4 years and older without 2 doses should get vaccinated ASAP.
- Adults born after 1956 and not vaccinated or unsure should get 2 doses, 1 month apart.
- Check with your primary care provider to see if you and your family are up-to-date with measles vaccine.
- When in doubt or can't find your records, get vaccinated. There is no harm in getting another dose.
- Feel free to reach out with any questions!
Or Request a Record of your vaccines from the State of Michigan
What is measles and how does it spread?
- Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
- Measles is so contagious that up to 9 out 10 people who are not immune and are exposed will become infected.
- Measles virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
- Infected people can spread measles from four days before through four days after the rash appears.
What are the signs and symptoms?
- Measles symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after and include:
- High fevers
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin.
- A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
Measles is Preventable
- The best protection against measles is MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination.
- The measles vaccine is highly effective, very safe, and provides long-lasting protection. A single dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective, while two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
- Your child needs two doses of MMR vaccine for best protection:
- First dose at 12 through 15 months of age
- Second dose at 4 through 6 years of age
- Children 12 months and older and adults with no *evidence of immunity should get vaccinated as soon as possible.
- Children may also get MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). It is only available for children 12 months through 12 years of age.
Evidence of immunity includes at least one of the following: written documentation of adequate vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity, laboratory confirmation of measles, or birth before 1957.
Measles is not "just a rash" it can be serious and dangerous, especially for babies and young children.
About 1 in 5 in the U.S. who get measles is hospitalized.
How serious is measles?
- Measles can be serious in all age groups. Several groups are at higher risk including:
- Children younger than 5 years of age
- Adults older than 20 years of age
- Pregnant women
- People with immunocompromised conditions
- Mild complications include ear infections and diarrhea
- Severe complications include pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) that may lead to hospitalization and death.
How can I get a vaccine?
- Vaccines are available through primary care providers and pharmacies. Medicaid and most insurance plans cover MMR vaccine at no-cost.
- Vaccines are also available for eligible groups at Wayne County Public Health Division, located at 33030 Van Born Rd Wayne MI 48184. Call 734-727-7101 to schedule an appointment
- Eligible groups include children with Medicaid or under/uninsured and adults who are under/uninsured
- To find a pharmacy near you, visit vaccines.gov
- Check if your child is due for an MMR vaccine by checking their vaccination record or contacting their healthcare provider.
- If you have been immunized in the State of Michigan and are 18 years or older, you may be able to download your Immunization Record from the Michigan Immunization Portal.
- Request a record of your vaccines from the State of Michigan: Record Request
For healthcare providers:
Clinical Overview of MeaslesCDC Measles Health Alert
MDHHS Measles | Provider Bulletin
