What is Measles?

Measles, also called rubeola, was once a common childhood illness. It's caused by a virus that spreads easily through the air and settles on surfaces. Measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. When an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes, the virus is released into the air and enters another person’s body through the nose, mouth or throat. People can also become sick if they come in contact with the mucus or saliva from an infected person.

The measles virus can live on contaminated surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the contaminated surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. Measles may be transmitted from 4 days before through 4 days after rash onset.

Currently, in 2025, there is a multi-state measles outbreak. While there are no cases of measles in Idaho at this time, that could change at any moment. It's important to know what to look for and how to request testing if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.

Measles Signs and Symptoms

Measles has a variety of potentially serious symptoms, especially for babies and young children.

7–14 days after a measles infection: First Symptoms

• High fever (may spike to more than 104°)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes

2–3 days after symptoms begin: Koplik Spots

Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.

3–5 days after symptoms begin: Measles Rash

Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline. They then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.

• Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
• The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.
• Runny nose
• When the rash appears, a person's fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.

Complications

Common complications that can occur from measles are:

• Ear infections
• Diarrhea
• Bronchitis, laryngitis, or croup
• Nauseu and vomiting
• Pneumonia

Serious complications that can occur from measles are:

• Encephalitis, also known as inflammation of the brain, potentially causing permanent brain damage, seizures, or death.
• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare and fatal degenerative brain disorder that can develop years after the initial measles infection.
• Dehydration
• Pregnancy complications, leading up to possible pregnancy loss or fetal death.
• Blindness
• Hearing loss

Measles Exposure: Next Steps

If you are concerned that you have measles or you have been exposed to measles:

• Call a healthcare provider and tell them you (or your child, if applicable) may have a case of measles before a visit to a hospital or clinic.
• Special arrangements can be made to be evaluated without putting other patients and medical office staff at risk.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, tables, and counters. Standard household disinfectants will readily kill the measles virus.

Measles Prevention

Measles is only a short road trip or plane ride away. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from measles:

• Research your travel destination or road trip route. Will you be traveling through any areas with current measles outbreaks?
• Review your immunization records prior to travel and/or contact your health care provider to make sure you are up to date on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Immunization Against Measles: Considerations

On average, the MMR vaccine gives lifelong protection from measles for about 93% of people that get one dose and 97% of people who get two doses of the vaccine.

For the small group of people who get measles after being fully vaccinated, illness symptoms tend to be mild. These people tend not to spread the disease to others.

In the United States, the measles vaccine is made from a weakened measles virus. The vaccine is offered as a combined shot to protect against measles and other viruses.

Most people can get the MMR vaccine.

Do not get the vaccine if you've had a serious allergic reaction after the first dose of MMR or the antibiotic medicine neomycin. Don't get the measles vaccine if you're pregnant, and don't get the vaccine if you have a severely weakened immune system due to treatment or illness.

Check with a healthcare professional before getting a measles vaccine if you:

• Have had seizures in the past or have a family history of seizures.
• Plan to get pregnant in the next four weeks.
• Recently needed a blood transfusion or other blood products.
• Recently took corticosteroids.
• Are being treated for tuberculosis.

If you have questions about whether you should get a measles vaccine, talk to your healthcare professional.

Who Should Consider a Measles Booster and Why?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that certain adults check their measles immunity and get a booster shot if necessary.

You may need a booster if:

• You received the inactive measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967. This version was not fully effective, so you may not be protected.
• You work in health care or a setting with high exposure risk and have had only one dose of the measles vaccine. Working in a hospital, school, or child care center can increase the chance of exposure to measles.
• You are unsure of your vaccination status. If you don't have documentation or a history of measles infection, you may opt to get a dose of the MMR vaccine.
• You are traveling internationally. Some countries still have high measles rates, and travelers are at risk of bringing the virus back home.

If you fall into one of these higher-risk groups, check your vaccination status and speak with your primary care provider about a measles vaccine booster.

South Central Public Health District can provide MMR immunizations at our offices across the district.

Please call (208) 737-5900 to schedule with us.