Measles cases are on the rise globally. From 2022 to 2023, there was a 20% increase in cases, according to the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. But it's still brought into the U.S. by unvaccinated people who got measles while in other countries.

Two doses of the measles vaccine can prevent measles. However, more than 22 million children worldwide didn't get their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2023, according to the CDC.

Learn more about how measles spreads, if there are treatment options and why the measles vaccine is more important than ever.

What is measles?

Measles is caused by a virus and can lead to serious health complications. The measles virus lives in mucus in the nose and throat.

Children younger than 5 years old are especially at risk for measles. It's highly contagious, but it's very rare to get it if you've received two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR vaccine).

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after you've been around an infected person. Some common measles symptoms include:

  • Fever (may spike more than 104° F)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Watery, red eyes
  • Rash

A rash, which spreads from the head to the lower extremities, usually appears 14 days after being exposed.

Other common complications from measles, especially in children under 5, include ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications can include pneumonia and encephalitis, according to the CDC.

Read more about measles symptoms, treatment and prevention

How is measles spread?

Measles is highly contagious. It can easily spread when an infected person coughs, breaths or sneezes. It can be spread up to 2 hours after an infected person has left a room since it may linger in the air.

Up to 9 in 10 people who aren't protected will become infected if they're near someone who has measles, according to the CDC.

How can you protect yourself and your family from measles?

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides the best protection from measles. The MMR vaccine provides lasting protection against all strains of measles.

People who haven't been vaccinated and are in a room with an infected person have a 90% chance of getting measles.

High rates of MMR vaccinations in the U.S. have made measles, mumps and rubella far less common among Americans.

See why you should partner with a primary care provider for your and your family’s health

How do I tell if my baby has measles?

A high fever is usually the first sign of measles. The fever can last up to a week in which other symptoms, such as runny nose, red eyes and sore throat, may show up. Tiny white bumps in your child's moth, called Koplik spots, may also be seen.

Once these symptoms appear, a red bumpy rash will show up near the hairline and starts spreading down the body.

Get more information on measles and what parents should know

Can a child get measles if they've had a vaccine?

There is a slim chance that people fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine can get measles. About 3 in 100 people who get two doses of the measles vaccine will still get the virus. However, experts say that people who are fully vaccinated typically have more mild symptoms.

What should I do if my child has measles?

You can help ease measles symptoms for your child by giving them over-the-counter NSAIDs. These include acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen. But don't give children aspirin.

Vitamin A can also help make measles symptoms less severe for children. Vitamin A supplements should be given in two doses, 24 hours apart.

If measles leads to an ear infection or pneumonia, your child's provider may prescribe an antibiotic.

Learn when you should go to the ER, urgent care or doctor’s office

What is the best treatment for measles?

There's no specific antiviral treatment for measles. The virus eventually works its way out of the body. Drinking water is important to stay hydrated. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve measles symptoms.

At what age is the MMR vaccine given? Does it last a lifetime?

The MMR vaccine is given in two doses. The first dose is typically given to babies ages 12-15 months. The second dose is given between ages 4 and 6 years old. The MMR vaccine can safely be given with other vaccines.

For older children and adults who didn't get the MMR vaccines in these age ranges, they also may need one or two doses. Check with your health care provider to see how many doses you or your child needs.

Most people are protected from measles, mumps and rubella for life.

Learn more about the MMR vaccine from the CDC

Are there long-term side effects of the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is considered safe and effective. It provides the most effective prevention against measles, mumps and rubella. Most children have very minor side effects and no long term effects after getting the vaccine.

There was once a concern that the MMR vaccine causes autism. Many studies in the U.S. and other countries involving millions of children have proven that this is not true.

Studies have shown that there is a very small risk of febrile seizures in children under 7 years old. This happens in about 1 in 3,000-4,000 children, according to the CDC. The febrile seizures would happen 6-14 days after MMR vaccination.

Febrile seizures do not cause any permanent harm and most children recover quickly.

See the vaccine safety information for the MMR vaccine

This blog was medically reviewed by Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases.