Measles

Measles Overview

Measles often starts with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, before those infected develop a maculopapular rash, that begins on the face and spreads down towards the body. About 30% of all measles cases will result in complications, most commonly seen among children younger than 5 years and adults. Approximately 1 in 1,000 people infected with measles will die. Common complications include otitis media, bronchopneumonia, laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) and diarrhea. Additional complications may include, pneumonia, encephalitis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and death.

AAP Recommendations

The AAP recommends routine vaccination against measles.  Specific information on how to prevent, diagnose, and treat measles spread can be found in the Measles Chapter of the AAP Red Book.    

More About the Science Behind Measles Prevention

Measles is prevented through vaccination. Before the measles vaccination program began in the United States (US) in 1963, an estimated 3 to 4 million people got measles each year. Widespread use of measles virus-containing vaccine has led to a greater than 99% reduction in measles cases. However, measles is still common in other countries and outbreaks continue in the US, often when unvaccinated people are infected while abroad and bring the disease into the US and spread it to others.