In light of international outbreaks of measles and some measles outbreaks occurring in the U.S., many people may be wondering if they need to be vaccinated or if they are immune to measles. Please see the following most “frequently asked questions” on measles and measles immunity.

Why are we suddenly seeing outbreaks of measles?

Measles is a highly transmissible infectious disease which had been previously eliminated in the U.S.

Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of measles generally appear about seven to 14 days after a person is infected.

Measles typically begins with

• high fever,
• cough,
• runny nose (coryza), and
• red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

Two or three days after symptoms begin,