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Measles

Measles spreads very easily by coughing and sneezing. It causes a high fever, cold-like symptoms, and rash. It can lead to hearing loss, pneumonia, brain damage, and even death. Before the measles vaccine was introduced, measles caused about 400 deaths in the U.S. each year. A child who hasn't been immunized will most likely get measles if exposed.

Symptoms begins with:

• Cold-like symptoms.
• Fever.
• Red, runny eyes.
• Cough.
• Runny nose.
• Tiredness.

These symptoms last about three days. Then, small white spots will appear on the inside of the mouth and a rash begins, usually on the face. This red, raised rash spreads rapidly over the neck, upper arms, and chest. Later, it spreads over the back, abdomen, rest of the arms, thighs, legs, and feet. The illness lasts 7 to 10 days.

Scientific Term

• Measles (Rubeola)

Generic Term

• Measles

Age Groups at Risk

• All. A child who has not been immunized against measles will most likely get the disease if exposed.

Fact Sheets

• Measles (Department of Health)
• Overview of Measles Disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Vaccine Information

• MMR Vaccine (Department of Health)

• Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella & Varicella (MMRV) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Related Information

Department of Health:

• Notifiable Conditions: Measles
• Vaccine Advisory Committee Recommendation Statement For Adults and College Students Measles Outbreak
(PDF, 11KB)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Measles Vaccination

Last Update: 01/09/2012 10:58 AM