What is Measles?
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It is so contagious that if an individual has it, up to 9 out of 10 people close to him or her will also become infected if they are not protected.
It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Someone can catch measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been, even up to 2 hours after that person has left.
People who are sick with measles can spread the disease to others from 4 days before to 4 days after they develop a rash.
The first symptoms of measles start about 7-14 days after someone is exposed to the virus. It often starts with a fever, a cough, a runny nose, and red eyes. Then, a rash of flat red spots breaks out. The rash starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea. Severe complications can include pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain swelling). Another potential complication of measles is immune amnesia. This is a temporary change in the body’s ability to recognize and fight other viruses and bacteria it was previously protected from. Some people with severe measles illness may require hospitalization or even die.
Measles can be more severe in young infants and in pregnant women, who may experience miscarriages, premature labor, or a condition in the baby called congenital measles syndrome.
Vaccination remains the most reliable and effective tool for preventing measles.
Is measles a reportable illness?
The person in charge of any residential or day program, service or facility licensed or operated by any agency of the Commonwealth, school or summer camp is required to report a suspected or confirmed measles outbreak to their local health department as soon as possible. The person in charge may also voluntarily report a suspected or confirmed measles case to their local health department. Physicians are required to report a suspected or confirmed measles case or outbreak to their local health department as rapidly as possible.
As a reminder, the Virginia Department of Health has these resources for congregate settings to prepare and respond to measles:
VDH Measles Website with the latest information about measles cases in Virginia and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
VDH Measles Fact Sheet
