Measles cases are rising across the U.S., and as a parent or caregiver, it’s important to stay informed. Whether you’re concerned about symptoms, vaccines, or what to do if your child gets sick, we’re here to help you feel confident in taking the right steps to protect your family.
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral illness. Although cases have been less common in recent years, outbreaks can still happen — especially when children haven’t received the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
Measles often starts with what looks like a cold:
After a few days, a rash appears — usually starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. The rash can also appear up to two weeks after exposure.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. Your child can catch it just by being in the same room with a person who’s sick — even if they don’t have direct contact with them. The virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, making it easy to spread without close contact.
Children are contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears — even if they don’t feel very sick at first. If one person has measles, about 90% of those nearby who are not immune or vaccinated can also get measles.
The best protection is the MMR vaccine. It’s generally safe, effective, and recommended in two doses:
Also, make sure everyone around your child — including parents, siblings, grandparents, and caregivers — is up to date on their MMR vaccination. This helps stop the spread of measles and adds an extra layer of protection for your child.
One dose gives about 93% protection — but two doses raise that to 97%. If your child hasn’t had both, it’s not too late — talk to their doctor about how to get them caught up.
In most cases, yes. Here are some guidelines used by health care providers:
Yes. The MMR vaccine has been used for decades and has been thoroughly tested for safety. Most children don’t have side effects — and if they do, they’re usually mild and temporary, like:
No — serious side effects are extremely rare. The protection offered by the vaccine far outweighs the risks, especially with the rising cases of measles.
Call your child’s doctor right away — before going in. This helps them take precautions to protect others.
If measles is confirmed:
Your child is considered immune if they:
Ask your child’s doctor to review your child’s vaccination record if you’re unsure.
Measles isn’t just a rash and a fever — it can lead to serious health problems, especially for young children. These may include:
Children under age 5 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications.
Yes. Even after recovery, measles can lead to long-term effects, including:
If you have questions or want the latest updates on measles and vaccines, these are trustworthy places to start:
You can also check out Highmark’s Find a Doctor tool, which can connect you with a provider who can answer questions, check your child’s vaccine status, and schedule care.
Protecting your child starts with simple steps — like staying on top of vaccines and knowing what to look for. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your child’s doctor. They’re here to help.
1All information in this article is sourced from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s measles overview, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.
