Measles

Measles is an infectious viral disease that occurs most often in the late winter and spring. It begins with a fever that lasts for a couple of days, followed by a cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). A rash starts on the face and upper neck, spreads down the back and trunk, then extends to the arms and hands, as well as the legs and feet. After about 5 days, the rash fades the same order in which it appeared.

Vaccination has reduced measles and most other vaccine-preventable diseases to very low levels in the United States. However, measles is still very common—even epidemic—in other parts of the world. Visitors to our country and unvaccinated U.S. travelers returning from other countries can unknowingly bring (import) measles into the United States. Since the virus is highly contagious, such imported cases can quickly spread, causing outbreaks or epidemics among unvaccinated people and under-vaccinated communities.

To protect your children, yourself, and others in the community, it is important to be vaccinated against measles.

• New!  Measles Immunity 
• Measles Investigation Quicksheet.  From CDPH.
• OSHA Guidlines for Vaccinating Health Care Workers Against Aerosol Transmitted Infections.
• Laboratory Testing for Measles.  From CDPH, 11/10.
• Measles Flyer on Getting Vaccinated Before Visiting Another Country.
• Measles Alert Poster #1.
• Measles Alert Poster #2.
• Measles Alert Poster #3.