Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious respiratory virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person.

Measles can spread to others through:

•  Coughing and sneezing

•  Breathing in droplets

•  Touching surfaces that are contaminated

The virus can live for up to two hours in airspace and can be spread 4 days before through 4 days after the rash appears.

Symptoms appear 7 to 21 days after contact with the virus and may include:

•  Fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes

•  Small, bluish-white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)

o  These may appear 2-3 days after symptoms begin

•  Rash that starts at the hairline and spreads downward toward the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet o This may appear 3-5 days after symptoms begin

If you believe you have been exposed to measles or are experiencing symptoms:

•  Isolate yourself immediately to prevent spreading the virus to others

•  Contact your healthcare provider by phone to arrange testing in a way that minimizes exposure to others o DO NOT SHOW UP UNANNOUNCED

•  Watch for symptoms

o  Typically develop 7 to 21 days after exposure

People with confirmed or suspected measles should stay home from school, work, and other group settings until after the fourth day of rash onset. Please contact your healthcare provider or local health department if you have questions regarding a suspected measles case.

The absolute best way to protect against measles is to get the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccine.

Vaccine Recommendations:

•  Children

o  Should receive 2 doses of the vaccine

■ First dose at age 12 months

■ Second dose after age 4

•  Older children, adolescents, & adults

o  If there is no evidence of immunity or history of vaccination, they should receive 2 doses of the vaccine.                                   Doses should be separated at least 28 days apart

Under Texas law, students who are exposed to measles and do not have documentation of two doses of measles vaccine or proof of immunity must stay home for at least 21 days after the last date the student was exposed to a measles case.

If you are unsure of your child's vaccination status or if your child has not received the vaccine or has only had one dose of MMR, consult your healthcare provider. It is our hope that by sharing this information it will help you, your family, and the community stay healthy.