Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Measles typically begins with:

• High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose (coryza)
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis/pink eye)

2-3 days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth.

Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. In a typical presentation, which might be seen in under or unimmunized individuals, it usually begins as flat red spotsthat spread from the head to the trunk, and then out to the arms and legs. Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.

• Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
• The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.
• When the rash appears, a person's fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.

Measles in vaccinated individuals may present mildly, with low-grade or no fever and atypical rash. For additional images of measles rash, refer to CDC Photos of Measles or Immunize.org Measles Images (warning: some images are graphic).

Measles can be serious in all age groups. However, children younger than 5 years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to suffer from measles complications.

Common Complications

• Ear Infections
• Diarrhea

Severe Complications in Children and Adults

• Hospitalization
  About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles is hospitalized.
• Pneumonia
  As many as 1 out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
• Encephalitis
  About 1 child out of every 1,000 who get measles will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain). This can lead to convulsions and leave the child deaf or with intellectual disability.
• Death
  Nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.
• Complications during pregnancy
  If you are pregnant and have not had the MMR vaccine, measles may cause birth prematurely, or have a low-birth-weight baby.

If you suspect you or one of your family members has been exposed to measles, call your healthcare provider or local health department immediately - please do not go directly to your healthcare provider or health department. Measles is the most contagious disease known to exist, and it could easily be spread to others at a doctor's office or health department if proper precautions aren't taken prior to your arrival.

If an individual has known exposure to someone with measles and they are not immune through vaccination or prior infection, they are recommended to:

• Consult with a health care provider immediately to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended.
• Exclude themselves from public settings for 21 days from the last time they were exposed unless symptoms develop.
• If symptoms develop, individuals should notify their local health department and stay away from public areas until four days after the rash appeared. Individuals seeking health care are advised to call ahead to their health care provider and let them know their symptoms and exposure concerns. This will help limit exposure within the healthcare setting.
There is no treatment or cure for measles. Medical care is supportive and can help relieve symptoms and address any complications that may develop.

An MMR vaccine can also prevent or reduce the severity of infection if administered to an unvaccinated person within 3 days after an exposure (source: KDHE)

The best defense against measles is the MMR vaccine, with two doses being 97% effective against measles (one dose is 93% effective). The vaccine is given in two doses: the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at 4 to 6 years of age.

KDHE is issuing the following recommendations for counties that are impacted by this outbreak of measles and adjacent counties: Kansas Health Alert Network (KS-HAN) Advisory

• Infants 6 through 11 months receive an early dose of MMR vaccine (i.e., infant dose). Subsequent doses should follow CDC’s recommended childhood schedule:
• Another dose at 12 through 15 months of age and
• A final dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
• Note: The above only applies to the MMR vaccine. The MMRV vaccine is NOT recommended for infants under 12 months old

Adults are protected from measles if they have had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, were born before 1957, or have evidence of immunity from a blood test When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated (coverage >95%) most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity).

• Healthy Children How to Protect Your Children During a Measles Outbreak
• AAP Healthy ChildrenProtecting Your Baby from Measles (FAQ)