Measles is a virus that causes high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that spreads over the body. It is one of the most contagious diseases known. Measles can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, and death, especially in young children. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine prevents it.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. The virus can stay in the air of a room for up to 2 hours after that person leaves, so you can catch it without ever seeing the sick person. Up to 9 out of 10 people who are not protected will get sick if they are around someone with measles.

Children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Babies under 12 months are too young for routine vaccination, so they depend on the people around them being protected.

Measles usually starts 7 to 14 days after exposure (sometimes up to 21 days). It often goes in this order:

1. High fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.

2. Tiny white spots inside the mouth, 2–3 days after symptoms start.

3. A red, blotchy rash that starts at the hairline and spreads down the body, 3–5 days after symptoms start. The fever may spike when the rash appears.

Many illnesses cause fever and rash. Only a doctor and a lab test can tell you for sure if it is measles. If you have these symptoms, especially after being around someone with measles or after travel, call your doctor.

Call before you go. Call your doctor, clinic, or emergency room before you arrive so staff can keep others from being exposed. Do not walk into a waiting room without calling first. You can also call the Highland County Health Department at 937-393-1941.

Until you hear back, stay home and away from others, especially babies, pregnant women, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Call 911 if someone has trouble breathing, a seizure, confusion, is very hard to wake up, or shows signs of dehydration (not drinking, very little urine). Tell the dispatcher that the person may have measles.

From 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after. That means people often spread measles before they know they have it. If you have measles, the health department will tell you when it is safe to return to work, school, or childcare.

There is no medicine that cures measles. Doctors treat the symptoms and watch for problems like pneumonia or dehydration. Follow your doctor's advice.

1. Check your vaccine record. Two documented doses of MMR means you are very likely protected. If you don't know, call your doctor or our office and we can help you check.

2. Call right away if you are not protected. An MMR shot given within 3 days (72 hours) of exposure may prevent measles or make it milder. For babies, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, a doctor may recommend a different treatment (immune globulin).

3. Watch for symptoms for 21 days. If fever, cough, red eyes, or rash start, stay home and call before you go to any doctor's office, clinic, or ER.

If you have had two doses of MMR, your risk is very low. Still, watch for symptoms for 21 days and call your doctor if any appear. Healthcare workers should also follow their employer's exposure policy.

If you are not protected, the health department may ask you to stay home from work, school, or childcare until 21 days after your last exposure. This is because you could spread measles before you feel sick. We will explain what applies to you and for how long.

If we learn you were exposed, our staff may call you to check your vaccine status and explain next steps. For public places where exposures happened, we post notices on our website and social media. If you are unsure a call is really from us, hang up and call 937-393-1941.