Measles

Call the toll-free Measles Hotline at 855-598-2246, 8 am - 430 pm (EST) Monday-Friday, for answers to general measles questions. If you have symptoms or medical concerns about measles, contact your local health department or healthcare provider. For more information about measles visit the CDC website.

Measles is a disease caused by a highly contagious virus. People with measles spread the virus through the air when they cough, sneeze, or breathe.

Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and rash. Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth) can appear 2 to 3 days after symptoms begin. Some people who become sick with measles also get a serious lung infection, such as pneumonia. Although severe cases are rare, measles can cause swelling of the brain and even death. Measles can be especially severe in infants, pregnant women, and in people who have weakened immune systems.

Measles is a vaccine preventable disease. Learn more about vaccine schedules and recommentations:

KDPH Immunization Outreach

CDC| Vaccines and Preventable Diseases

Health officials urge anyone who may have been exposed to check their immunization records and confirm they are protected against measles. Kentucky residents can access their immunization records through the Kentucky Immunization Registry Public Portal at chfs.ky.gov/KDPHMyVaxRecord.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is measles?

Measles is a disease caused by a highly contagious virus. People with measles spread the virus through the air when they cough, sneeze, or breathe.

What are the signs and symptoms of measles?

Symptoms of measles typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, followed by a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads down the body. Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth) can appear 2 to 3 days after symptoms begin. Measles can be dangerous. Some people who become sick with measles also get a serious lung infection, such as pneumonia. Although severe cases are rare, measles can cause swelling of the brain and even death.

People at high risk for severe illness and complications from measles include:

Infants and children aged <5 years
Adults aged >20 years
Pregnant women
People with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia and HIV infection

Is measles in Kentucky?

Due to individuals routinely receiving the MMR vaccine, measles has been declared eliminated in North, Central, and South America, including the United States, but is still circulating in many countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Measles cases and outbreaks still occur in the U.S. when measles is imported into communities where people are unvaccinated.

As of April 10, 2024, there have been no known cases of measles in Kentucky since February 2023.

How does measles spread?

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. The virus is transmitted through the air and can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves the area. Infected people can spread measles to others before they have any symptoms and up to four days before the rash appears.

How can measles be prevented?

Measles can be prevented through vaccination. In the United States, the first dose of measles vaccine is routinely administered in combination with mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) to children at age 12 months through 15 months. A second MMR dose is routinely administered at age 4 through 6 years. Children, teens and adults who have not received the MMR may receive the vaccine from their doctor, pharmacy or local health department

Many measles cases in the U.S. originate from international travel. Make sure you and your loved ones are protected against measles before international travel.

For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/plan-for-travel.html

I’ve been exposed to someone with measles. What should I do?

Immediately call your healthcare provider or your local health department and let them know that you have been exposed to someone who has measles. Your healthcare provider can determine if you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence.

If you are not immune to measles, MMR vaccine or a medicine called immune globulin may help reduce your risk developing measles.

If you are not immune and do not get MMR or immune globulin, you should quarantine by staying away from settings where there are susceptible people (such as schools, hospitals, or childcare) until your healthcare provider or your local health department says it's okay to return. This will help ensure that you do not spread it to others.

I think I have measles. What should I do?

Measles symptoms include fever, rash, pink eye, runny nose and cough. If you think you have measles, call your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms so they can tell you what to do next. If you plan to go to the doctor or the emergency room, you should call ahead and let them know your symptoms before entering the building.

Is there a vaccine to prevent measles?

Yes, the first dose of measles vaccine is routinely administered in combination with mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) to children at 12 to 15 months of age. A second MMR dose is routinely administered at 4 to 6 years of age. Children may also get MMRV vaccine which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you may need measles vaccination.

How effective is the measles vaccine?

The measles vaccine is very effective. Two doses of measles vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus. One dose is about 93% effective.

Do I ever need a booster vaccine?

No. People who have received two doses of measles vaccine as children are protected for life and do not ever need to receive a booster dose.

How do I know if I am protected against measles?

According to CDC, people are protected from measles if they have written documentation of at least one of the following:

You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine and you are a school-aged child (grades K-12), college or university student, healthcare personnel, international traveler, or in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission.
You received one dose of measles-containing vaccine and you are a preschool-aged child or will not be in a high-risk settings for measles transmission
Laboratory-confirmed measles infection in your lifetime
Laboratory-confirmed immunity to measles
Born before 1957

What if I am unsure whether I am immune to measles?

If you're unsure whether you are immune to measles and you do not have written documentation of measles immunity, you should talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. There is no harm in getting another dose of MMR vaccine if you may already be immune to measles (or mumps or rubella). It is also possible to have a healthcare provider test your blood to determine whether you're immune, but this is generally not recommended.

Can measles vaccine be given at the same time as other vaccines?

Yes, you can receive the MMR vaccine while receiving other vaccines. Administration of MMR at the same time as other vaccines routinely occurs in pediatrician offices, pharmacies and local health departments every day.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you need measles vaccine.

Image Source: cdc.gov