Protect Yourself and Your Family from Measles, From Intermountain Health

Measles is circulating in the United States. Measles is not just a mild rash; it is a serious illness and very contagious. It can also have serious complications, especially for babies and young children.  

The best way to protect yourself and your family from measles is by staying current on immunizations.  

“We know that the vaccine is very effective in preventing measles, and it is very safe. We also know that many parents have questions about the vaccine,” said Andrew Pavia, MD, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at University of Utah Health and director of epidemiology at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.  

“Pediatricians are here to help parents and their children,” Dr. Pavia added. “We are happy to talk through concerns, questions about the vaccine, and ultimately provide parents with good information so they can make the best decisions for their child.”  

Measles is a highly contagious disease, and it infects 90 percent of people not immunized who are exposed to the virus. Measles is transmitted through coughs and sneezes and can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.  

The disease can be especially dangerous for babies and young children. About one out of five people who get measles will be hospitalized. Severe complications include pneumonia encephalitis (brain swelling), which can cause permanent brain damage, or even death.  

Measles symptoms develop about seven to 14 days after exposure and include:  

• Fever 
• Cough 
• Runny nose 
• Red eyes 
• After three to four days, a rash appears 

Measles rash is red and blotchy and typically starts on the hairline and face, then spreads downwards to the rest of the body. The rash usually presents three or four days after the fever. 

An infected person can spread measles to others even before knowing they have the disease. You can spread measles to others in the four days before and after the rash appears. 

Who is most at risk: 

• Infants  
• Children under 5 years old 
• Pregnant women 
• People with weakened immune systems, such as from cancer, leukemia, certain medications, and HIV infection 
• Adults over age 20 

How you can protect yourself:  

• Get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine according to CDC’s recommended immunization schedule for children.  
• Determine whether you are protected from measles. Visit https://immunize.utah.gov/usiis-parents-individuals/ to learn how to request your immunization records. Or check immunization records in the Docket app or website.  
• Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed. 

If you or your child have measles symptoms, please do one of the following:  

• When possible, use a Telehealth or virtual appointment, such as Connect Care, a video visit from myChart, or a national service like Amwell. These provide a safe, effective alternative to verify symptoms, reduce the risk of transmission, and receive timely guidance.  
• If an in-person visit is necessary, call ahead to the clinic or hospital so care teams can implement appropriate infection prevention protocols and minimize exposure to others. 

“It is important that you do not visit a physician’s office, emergency room, lab or any medical clinic without first calling the facility and informing them of your possible exposure to measles,” Dr. Pavia said. “This will enable the facility to take the necessary precautions to protect others, which may include babies and others at high risk, from possible exposure.” 

For more information about measles, visit the Utah Department of Health and Human Services or the CDC’s website.