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HealthConsider > Blog > Healthcare > Measles — Symptoms, Transmission, Prevention, and Post‑Exposure Care
Healthcare

Measles — Symptoms, Transmission, Prevention, and Post‑Exposure Care

Last updated: October 6, 2025 4:23 am
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Measles at a Glance

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness caused by measles virus (genus Morbillivirus). It begins with a prodrome of fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis, followed by the classic maculopapular rash. Koplik spots (tiny white lesions on the buccal mucosa) are characteristic in the prodromal phase.

Contents
  • Key Clinical Features
  • How Measles Spreads
  • Complications
  • Prevention — Vaccination Works
  • Post‑Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • Isolation and Infection Control
  • Diagnosis and Reporting
  • Care
  • Takeaways

Key Clinical Features

  • Prodrome (3–4 days): high fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis; Koplik spots on the buccal mucosa.
  • Rash: starts on the face and behind the ears, spreads downward to trunk and limbs; lesions may become confluent; fades in the same order.
  • Infectious period: from about 4 days before to 4 days after rash onset (immunocompromised patients may shed longer).

How Measles Spreads

  • Reservoir: humans only.
  • Route: airborne transmission via fine respiratory particles/aerosols; virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to ~2 hours.
  • Contagiousness: very high (most susceptible contacts become infected without immunity). Outbreaks are fueled in undervaccinated settings.

Complications

  • Otitis media, laryngotracheobronchitis (croup), pneumonia (a leading cause of death), diarrhea/dehydration.
  • Acute encephalitis and post‑infectious encephalomyelitis; rare, late complication: subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).
  • Higher risk of severe disease in infants, pregnant people, the immunocompromised, and those with vitamin A deficiency or malnutrition.

Prevention — Vaccination Works

  • Vaccine: MMR (measles‑mumps‑rubella) or MMRV (includes varicella).
  • Schedule (typical): first dose at 12–15 months; second dose at 4–6 years. Unvaccinated children and adults should receive catch‑up vaccination per local guidelines.
  • Effectiveness: two doses provide ~97% protection against measles.
  • Travelers, students, and healthcare workers should ensure documented immunity (two doses or laboratory evidence).

Post‑Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

  • MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure can prevent or modify illness in susceptible people without contraindications.
  • Immune globulin (IG) within 6 days of exposure for high‑risk susceptible contacts (e.g., infants <12 months, pregnant people without evidence of immunity, severely immunocompromised). Dosing and product (IMIG vs IVIG) vary by local guidance.
  • Exclude susceptible contacts without timely PEP from high‑risk settings for the recommended period (often 21 days after last exposure).

Isolation and Infection Control

  • Suspected or confirmed cases should isolate with airborne precautions. In healthcare settings, use an airborne infection isolation room and respirators.
  • Community isolation typically continues until 4 full days after rash onset (longer may be needed for the immunocompromised; follow public health advice).

Diagnosis and Reporting

  • Confirm with laboratory testing when possible: RT‑PCR/NAAT from respiratory specimens and measles‑specific IgM serology.
  • Measles is a notifiable disease — promptly notify public health authorities to support contact tracing and outbreak control.

Care

  • Supportive management: fluids, antipyretics, and monitoring for complications; treat bacterial coinfections when present.
  • Vitamin A supplementation is recommended for hospitalized children or those at risk of deficiency per local/national guidelines.

Takeaways

  • Measles is airborne and extraordinarily contagious; vaccination is the best protection.
  • Early recognition, isolation, and timely PEP limit spread and protect vulnerable people.

Educational information only; follow local public health guidance and consult a clinician for individual care.

The information provided on HealthConsider.com is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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