Measles is caused by a virus that is easily spread. The virus can remain in the air for up to 2 hours after an infectious person coughs or sneezes. Just one infected person can cause 14 to 18 additional measles cases.

Exposure to measles means being in the same room at the same time or within 2 hours of a person with measles.

Measles symptoms can start anywhere from 6 to 21 days after being exposed to the virus, although 11 to 12 days is the average. A person may start spreading the virus to others before they develop symptoms.

Many people have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. When they occur, signs and symptoms may appear in the following order:

• Days 1 to 2: Fever, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes can occur. The fever may go very high (spike) to 104 or higher.

• Days 3 to 5: A rash begins on the face and spreads downward to the neck, upper and lower trunk, and arms and legs. The fever may spike to 104 or higher.

• Days 6 to 7: The rash starts to fade in the order it appeared.

Complications of measles occur in about 3 in 10 people and include ear infections, blindness, pneumonia, and brain inflammation. In the United States, death from measles is rare but can happen. In other countries, it is as high as 15%.

Pregnant people with measles have an increased risk of pneumonia, hospitalization, and the need for breathing support. Measles can also increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, and prematurity.

You’re protected against measles if you have a written record of one the follow:

• You had 2 doses of the measles vaccine as a child

• You had one dose of the measles vaccine as an adult

• You had measles as a child

• You had a blood test that shows you are immune to measles

• You were born before 1957

If you do not have a written record of one of the above, you should get 1 dose of the MMR vaccine as an adult.

The MMR contains a live, weakened form of the measles virus. Pregnant people should not get the MMR during pregnancy. You can get the MMR vaccine:

• Before pregnancy, and wait at least 4 weeks after getting the MMR vaccine to get pregnant

• Anytime after you have your baby

Vaccination while breastfeeding is safe. Your family members can be safely vaccinated with MMR; they won’t pass the virus to you.

• Call your healthcare professional. They will ask if you have a written record of vaccination. If you don’t, you can have a blood test to see if you are immune.

• If you have records showing you’re vaccinated, or your blood test results show you’re immune, no other care is needed. You’re protected against measles.

• If you are not protected, a medication called immune globulin (IG) can be given within 6 days of being exposed to measles. This medication is given as a shot or through an IV.

• If you don’t get measles, you should get the MMR vaccine after you give birth to your baby.

There is not a specific cure for measles, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and managing complications. Common treatments include:  

• Rest and fluids to help your body recover  

• Pain relievers or fever, such as acetaminophen, to reduce fever and discomfort 

• Antibiotics if you develop a bacterial infection, like pneumonia  

• Oxygen and other treatments if you experience series complications like trouble breathing 

For children with measles, Vitamin A may be used to help improve recovery, but it’s important that it is given in the proper doses. High doses of Vitamin A can be toxic and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider. 

If you are pregnant, Vitamin A treatment for measles is not safe.  High doses, above 10,000 units daily, can cause serious birth defects. There is no clear information about how Vitamin A affects breastfeeding, so always talk to your doctor before taking any medication or supplement while breastfeeding.  

Yes, you can continue breastfeeding if you’ve been exposed to measles or have been diagnosed with measles.  However, to help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to your baby, please follow these precautions: 

• Wear a facemask when breastfeeding or in close contact with your baby. 

• Wash your hands thoroughly before each breastfeeding session. 

• Limit skin-to-skin contact with your baby for up to 3 days to reduce the spread of germs. 

• Consider using a breast pump to express milk, which can then be given to your baby in a bottle.