As of April 2025, the United States is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with over 600 confirmed cases across six states, including Ohio. For the most recent CDC report about measles cases, visit https://www.cdc.gov/measles/vaccines/index.html.
What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. It’s spread by breathing in the germs after a sick person has sneezed or coughed in a space or by touching a surface that has germs on it and then touching your face. The germs that cause measles can stay in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after a person sick with measles has left. That means that the sick person doesn’t have to be in the same room with you since their germs can remain in the area long after they have left. Symptoms typically appear 10–14 days after exposure and include:
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Measles Vaccination is the Best Prevention.
The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective and safe way to prevent measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles. The CDC recommends:
-First dose at age 12-15 months
-Second dose at age 4-6 years
Children aged 6–11 months traveling internationally or to areas with active outbreaks should receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine. This early dose does not replace the routine doses given at 12–15 months and 4–6 years.
-First dose at age 12-15 months
-Second dose at age 4-6 years
Children aged 6–11 months traveling internationally or to areas with active outbreaks should receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine. This early dose does not replace the routine doses given at 12–15 months and 4–6 years.
Vaccine Protection for Adults
The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. Contact your health care provider to get vaccinated or call our TCHD medical office at (330) 343-5555, ext. 1810 to schedule an appointment for your MMR vaccination. For more information about measles vaccination, visit https://www.cdc.gov/measles/vaccines/index.html.
If you were exposed to measles:
You may be asked to quarantine at home to help prevent the spread of measles. During quarantine you must restrict activities that may put you in contact with others. Measles quarantine period is between 21-28 days. In quarantine, the following is advised:
-You should remain in your home.
-Do not go anywhere, including to work, school, daycare, or any public areas.
-Do not use taxis or public transportation.
-If you require food, or medications, arrange for contactless delivery.
-Separate yourself from others who may live in your home.
-Use a separate bathroom/toilet, if available.
-Do not have visitors in your home.
-Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 45 seconds.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
-Do not share eating utensils, towels, bedding or other items with other people.
-Avoid contact with other people, wear a face mask if contact is unavoidable.
-You should remain in your home.
-Do not go anywhere, including to work, school, daycare, or any public areas.
-Do not use taxis or public transportation.
-If you require food, or medications, arrange for contactless delivery.
-Separate yourself from others who may live in your home.
-Use a separate bathroom/toilet, if available.
-Do not have visitors in your home.
-Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 45 seconds.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
-Do not share eating utensils, towels, bedding or other items with other people.
-Avoid contact with other people, wear a face mask if contact is unavoidable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- My infant isn’t old enough for their first dose, what can I do to protect them? If you have an infant that is 6-11 months old and are traveling internationally or to an area with ongoing measles transmissions, you can get your infant a dose of MMR.
- What if my child is too young for the second dose of MMR? One dose of MMR is 93% effective against measles. The second dose (typically given at 4-6 years) increases protection against the measles virus to 97%.
- Can you get measles more than once? No. If you previously had measles, you are immune to the virus, and being fully vaccinated against measles provides protection for life.
- What if I can’t afford the MMR vaccine? Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. There is also the Vaccines for Children Program that may help cover the cost. Call TCHD at 330-343-5555, ext. 1810 to schedule an appointment.
- How do I know if I got the MMR vaccine? Adults who did not receive the MMR vaccine as children or those who are unsure about their vaccination status should talk to their healthcare provider for more information. Those born prior to 1957 are likely protected by previous infection.
- How long is a person with measles contagious? Measles is very contagious and can be transmitted from 4 days before the rash becomes visible to 4 days after the rash appears.
- Is the measles vaccine safe? Research has shown that the measles vaccine (MMR) is safe and very effective. Getting vaccinated is much safer than getting any of the diseases the vaccine protects against.
- What should I do if I get sick? If you become sick with measle-like symptoms (fever, rash, runny nose, cough, and “pink eye), seek medical attention. Call your provider before going to a medical facility and inform them you were exposed to measles or have symptoms of measles.