Home » Health » Diseases & Conditions » Information On: » Measles

WHAT IS MEASLES?

Measles is a severe respiratory disease that can easily spread through air and by direct contact with an infected person. It is a highly contagious disease that can result in serious complications such as hospitalization and death. A person infected with measles can spread the disease to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals who have close contact to the infected person. 

The best way to prevent measles is the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MEASLES? 

Signs and symptoms include:
  • High fever (over 101 °F)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red and watery eyes
  • Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin
  • Rash that starts on the face about four days after other symptoms and then spreads to the rest of the body
Measles can cause serious complications, leading to hospitalization for about 1 in 5 unvaccinated individuals in the United States. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. It can also cause serious illness, such as pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and even death. Anyone can suffer complications from measles, however some groups that are more likely to have serious health problems are infants and children under 5 years, adults over 20 years old, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems due to Leukemia or HIV.

HOW DOES MEASLES SPREAD?

The virus spreads easily through air when a sick person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours, even if the sick person has left the room. You can become infected by being in a room that a sick person was in or by touching objects that they’ve touched.

A person with measles can spread the disease to others even before they have any symptoms. This can happen as early as four days before a rash appears or four days after it appears.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE MEASLES?

If you or someone in your family have symptoms of measles, have not been vaccinated, and/or have recently traveled internationally, stay home (away from other individuals) and call your doctor’s office immediately. Tell them that you may have measles so they can take steps to prevent other patients and staff from being exposed.

If you think you have been exposed to measles:
  • Call your doctor’s office immediately to let them know you have been exposed. Your doctor may be able to determine if you have protection against measles based on vaccination records or through laboratory testing.
  • Wear a facemask that covers your nose and mouth.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, and counters.
  • If you develop symptoms, call your doctor/hospital immediately and let them know you’ve been exposed to measles before heading to your doctor/hospital. Wear a well-fitted mask that covers your nose and mouth.
  • Ask your doctor to let you know when it’s safe to be around other people again. Stay away from large groups, schools, hospitals, or childcare until you are cleared by your doctor or public health.
If you are a health care provider whose patients have symptoms compatible with measles, call the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services at 562-570-4302.

Weekdays: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm call 562-570-4302

Non-business hours/weekends: call 562-500-5537

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AND OTHERS FROM MEASLES? 

Getting vaccinated with two doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMP) vaccine is the best way to keep from getting and spreading measles. The MMR vaccine is protective and efficient against measles. Two doses of MMR are 96% and one dose is 93% effective in preventing measles. People should get the MMR vaccine if they have not been vaccinated or do not know if they have been vaccinated before.

Kids should be vaccinated at 12-15 months of age and again at 4-6 years of age. Anyone born after 1957 who have not been vaccinated should get their MMR vaccine. Infants between 6 to 12 months old are recommended to get vaccinated prior to any international travel. If you’re traveling soon and are unsure whether you are immune to measles or don’t have two documented MMR, contact your doctor. Learn more on travel recommendations.

WHERE CAN I GET VACCINATED?

Your doctor may provide the MMR Vaccine or recommend a pharmacy or clinic offering no or low-cost vaccinations. The Long Beach Health Department Immunization Clinic provides MMR vaccines to individuals who are uninsured or under insured. For more information on where to get vaccinated, call the Immunization Clinic at 562-570-7912.  

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT MEASLES?

California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)

Resources

Measles FAQ:  (English)
Measles Clinical Flyer:  (English)
Measles Travel Flyer:  (English)

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions about Measles, please call our Epidemiology Department:
Telephone with solid fill  (562) 570-4302

       

paynowbutton

Facilities

Main Health Facilities Center

2525 Grand Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone: (562) 570-4000

Multi-Service Center for the Homeless »

1301 West 12th Street
Long Beach, CA 90813
Phone: (562) 570-4500 
Fax: (562) 570-8234

Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center - Center for Family and Youth »

6335 Myrtle Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90805
Phone: (562) 570-3300
Fax: (562) 570-3306

Other Facilities »

 
twitterfacebookInstagram