Measles: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention - Cleveland Clinic

What are the symptoms of measles?

Symptoms typically develop about eight to 12 days after you're exposed to someone with measles. But there have been times that it takes up to 21 days to develop symptoms after exposure.

The most common measles symptoms include:

A few days after these symptoms begin, you'll develop a red, blotchy rash that spreads from your face to the rest of your body. The rash itself lasts about seven to 10 days.

Other measles symptoms may include:

• A sore throat.
• White spots in your mouth.
• Muscle pain.
• Sensitivity to light.

What does the measles rash look like?

The rash starts out as flat red spots on your face and then moves downward to cover your whole body. Then, smaller raised white spots may appear on top of the red rash. The spots might join together as the rash goes down your body.

Which virus causes measles?

An extremely contagious virus called morbillivirus causes measles. It's an airborne disease, which means it spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. If you breathe in the particles from someone who has measles, you can get measles, too. The airborne droplets can remain in a room for two hours even after the person with measles is gone. Droplets can land on surfaces and spread that way as well.

Measles is spread by:

• Sharing drinks or food with someone with measles.
• Kissing someone who has measles.
• Shaking hands, holding hands or hugging someone with measles.
• Touching a surface containing the virus and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
• From pregnant people to their babies — either during the pregnancy, delivery or while nursing.

How long is measles contagious?

You're contagious about four days before you develop a rash until about four days after the rash starts. That's about eight days in total.

Is it safe to be around someone with measles?

Measles is highly contagious. It's so contagious that if 10 people who weren't vaccinated were in a room with someone with measles, nine of those people would get measles. The best way to prevent getting measles is to get vaccinated.

Who is at risk for measles?

Anyone who hasn't gotten the measles vaccine is at risk of getting it. You're also at higher risk if you travel to parts of the world where measles is more common.

People who work in healthcare or childcare facilities are also more at risk because they're more likely to interact with sick people. Take extra precautions like wearing personal protective equipment that includes masks, gowns and gloves. If you work with children, promote good handwashing techniques, and educate parents and guardians about symptoms of viral diseases.

What are the complications of measles?

There are many complications associated with measles, and some can be very serious. Some people are more likely to experience complications, including:

• Infants and toddlers.
• Pregnant people.
• Adults 20 or older.
• People with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised).

Complications of measles include:

• Diarrhea.
• Ear infections.
• Pneumonia.
• Encephalitis.
• Pregnancy complications like low birth weight or preterm birth (in people who have measles during pregnancy).

Before widespread immunization, about 400 to 500 people died each year from measles.

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