Public Health

What is measles? Measles (also known as the "10 day" measles) is an acute, vaccine-preventable, highly contagious viral disease that is capable of causing epidemics. Although susceptible persons of all ages can acquire measles, it is especially severe for infants under one year of age and young children.

Who gets measles and how is it spread? Anyone who has not previously had measles or who has not received the vaccine can get measles. Permanent immunity is acquired after contracting the disease. Measles is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of an infected person and less commonly by airborne transmission. A person is contagious from just before the first symptoms appear to four days after the onset of the rash.

What are the symptoms of measles and when do they start? Measles symptoms generally appear in two stages. The first stage commonly begins with fever, runny nose, and cough. The eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light, while the fever consistently rises each day. First stage symptoms usually appear 10 days after exposure to the measles virus.
The second stage usually begins on the third to seventh day and consists of a temperature of 103 degree to 105 degree and a red, itchy rash that lasts between four to seven days. The rash commonly begins on the face and then spreads over the entire body.

What is the treatment for measles? There is no specific treatment for measles. Rest and symptomatic treatment are adequate in uncomplicated infections. Potential complications include ear infections, pneumonia, or encephalitis (swelling of the brain) which can lead to seizures, deafness, or mental retardation. Up to 6% of persons who get measles will develop pneumonia which is the cause of death for 60% of the total cases. Death occurs in about 1 per 1,000 cases.

Is there a vaccine for measles?
Yes. Anyone born after 1956 who has not had measles disease or serologic confirmation of measles immunity should receive two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first dose should be given at 12 months of age and the second dose should be given at four to six years of age (or before school entry; whichever occurs first). Measles vaccination is required for all children before emollment in schools and preschool programs. It is recommended, and in some states required, for college students to demonstrate immunity against measles or have a second dose of the vaccine.

Wyoming Department of Health
2300 Capitol Ave.
Cheyenne WY 82002
(307) 777-7172

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