Measles is a respiratory disease that causes cough, runny nose, fever, rash, red or watery eyes (conjunctivitis), and white spots on the inside of the mouth (Koplik’s spots). Measles can cause serious and sometimes permanent health complications, even death, especially in children younger than five years old.
Measles is extremely contagious – 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people nearby will get infected. You can catch measles by breathing in the virus or by touching an infected surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. You can also become infected just by entering a room that an infected person was in up to two hours before you.
The best defense to protect you, your family, and the community is to be vaccinated. Contact your primary care provider, a local pharmacy, or your local health department to ask about getting your MMR vaccine. Maintaining a 95% or greater community vaccination coverage is needed to create “herd immunity,” which protects vulnerable members of our community such as infants who are too young to be vaccinated themselves.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing all three of these diseases. One dose of the MMR vaccine is 94% effective at preventing measles infection, and two doses are 97% effective.
Healthcare providers should be alert for potential cases, and test for measles in patients presenting with rash and fever, cough, conjunctivitis, and coryza, especially if they have traveled to or from areas with known measles outbreaks.
For additional guidance on how to respond when suspecting measles, refer to the resources provided by the New York State Department of Health, especially the most recent Health Advisory Notice, and notify the local health department immediately.
- Genesee County Health Department, (585) 344-2580 x5555
- Orleans County Health Department, (585) 589-3265
Other Resources: