Measles

Measles is very contagious and can be serious. Anyone who is unvaccinated can get measles when traveling abroad or even in the U.S. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles. Some vaccinated people may still get measles if they are exposed to the virus. However, disease symptoms are milder in vaccinated people.

Measles Common Symptoms:

• high fever
• cough
• runny nose
• red, watery eyes 
• skin rash (starting from the face and spreading to the rest of the body)

How is Measles Transmitted? 

• Measles is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 
• The virus can stay active in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the area.  
• Direct contact with fluids like saliva and nasal secretions and urine can also transmit the virus.  
• Measles is extremely contagious. About 90% of non-immune people exposed to the virus will become infected. 
• An infected person is typically contagious for the 4 days before the rash emerges and 4 days following.  
• A typical incubation period is 7 to 14 days. 

Who is at Risk? 

• Unvaccinated individuals (especially children) 
• People with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to cancer, HIV, or organ transplants) 
• Pregnant women (measles during pregnancy can cause complications for both mother and baby)  
• People living in close quarters, such as hospitals, daycare centers, residence halls, or schools are at higher risk due to ease of transmission. 

Prevention: Vaccine

• Check your immunization records to confirm you have received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, as recommended by the CDC and ADH. 
• MMR is a recommended childhood vaccine given at 12-15 months of age and then a 2nd dose given at 4-6 years old. If you have received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, then no further steps are needed.  
• The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles: 1 dose is 93% effective, and 2 doses is 97% effective. *Individuals born before 1957 in the United States are generally considered immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.

2025 UAM MEASLES GUIDELINES

EXCUSES FOR MEASLES: If you have been diagnosed with measles by your health care provider, you should complete the Measles Reporting Form.

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS:   

• Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus and typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms.
  • ISOLATE at your permanent residence.
  • Notify your health care provider IMMEDIATELY to get tested for MEASLES ASAP (informing testing site that you have been exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms before you arrive).
  • Measles testing is available at UAM Mainline Clinic (870-224-0647) and some other local clinics. Call before entering.
  • If you test positive or are diagnosed with measles, Submit a Measles Reporting Form.

FOR POSITIVE MEASLES TEST RESULTS:

• If you have received a POSITIVE MEASLES test:
  • Complete the Measles Reporting Form. Include the documentation of your positive results and isolation recommendations from your health care provider.
  • ISOLATE at home for a minimum of 4 days (from start of rash).
  • AVOID shared community spaces like the cafeteria, work, shopping areas, grocery stores, movie theaters, stadiums, church or any public place.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in the trash can. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as computers, phones, doorknobs, tables and counters. Standard household disinfectants will readily kill the measles virus.
  • Follow up with your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen.

UNVACCINATED MEASLES EXPOSURE/CLOSE CONTACT:

• IF YOU HAVE HAD CLOSE CONTACT* with someone who has tested positive for MEASLES and you are NOT vaccinated: (2 doses of MMR vaccine)
  • ISOLATE at your permanent residence.
  • Notify the Local Health Unit IMMEDIATELY. 870-367-6234.  You will need to provide your name, DOB and a phone number that you will answer so that the Communicable Diseases Nurse can follow up with you.
  • Complete the Measles Reporting Form. Indicate that you were a close contact.
  • Obtain a MEASLES TEST if symptoms develop. Do not enter the testing facility without calling.

VACCINATED MEASLES EXPOSURE/CLOSE CONTACT:

• IF YOU HAVE HAD CLOSE CONTACT* with someone who has tested positive for MEASLES and you have proof that you HAVE BEEN vaccinated against measles: (2 doses of MMR vaccine)
  • Self-Monitor for MEASLES symptoms for the next 21 days.
  • You do not need to Quarantine at this time.
  • If symptoms develop, contact your health care provider. Call before entering a clinic.
  • If you test positive, follow the instructions above FOR POSITIVE MEASLES TEST RESULTS.

THERE IS ONLY A SMALL 3% CHANCE THAT YOU WILL CONTRACT MEASLES IF YOU HAVE BEEN VACCINATED AND EXPOSED

*CLOSE CONTACT is defined as being in the same air space (regardless of distance) at the same time or up to two hours after someone who has tested positive during their contagious period.  The contagious period includes the four days prior to the day of rash onset through 4 days after the day of rash onset.

Measles Reporting Form

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination.

According to CDC data:

• Two doses of measles vaccine are 97% (range: 67% to 100%) effective at preventing measles.
• One dose is 93% (range: 39% to 100%) effective at preventing measles.

You Should

• If you are unsure of your vaccination status, contact your healthcare provider.
• If you are unvaccinated or are not fully vaccinated, you may contact your healthcare provider, your local health unit (870-367-6234 in Monticello), Prescription Pad Pharmacy (870-367-4227 in Monticello) or Walgreens Pharmacy (870-367-6146 in Monticello) to schedule an appointment for a vaccination.