Measles is a disease that is extremely contagious, but highly preventable. It was declared to be eliminated in the US in 2000 thanks to a high percentage of people receiving the very safe and effective measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. As immunization rates have been declining, more cases of measles are identified every year. Vaccination is the best protection against measles. To make an immunization appointment, contact your local First District Health Unit office.
What are the immunization recommendations for measles?
People born before 1957 are generally considered protected from measles due to natural infection and do not need to be vaccinated.
It is recommended that anyone born after 1957 have two doses of the MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) vaccine in their lifetime. No booster doses are necessary. People who have received one dose are considered partially vaccinated.
According to the recommended vaccination schedule for infants, babies can be vaccinated for measles at 12 months of age. For protection during the first year of life, babies rely on the people around them to be immunized. The recommendation can change to be vaccinated at 6 months during an outbreak.
Measles Symptoms
Measles symptoms will usually appear in this order:
- Fever that evolves to a high fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Pink/red eyes
- Rash that starts on the head and spreads all over the body
How long is measles contagious?
Measles is a very contagious disease that is spread through the air when a person with measles coughs or sneezes. A person with measles is considered contagious 4 days before and 4 days after the rash appears. The virus can live in the air for two hours, so an exposure can occur even if the infectious person has left the area. If exposed to the virus, 90% of unvaccinated people will contract measles.
What if I'm exposed to someone with measles?
People born before 1957 who have at least 2 doses of MMR vaccine do not have to take extra steps if they are exposed to someone with measles. An unvaccinated person born after 1957 likely has little or no protection against measles. If exposed, they will be contacted by a State epidemiologist and instructed to quarantine at home immediately and monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. If a measles cases is identified at school or daycare, unimmunized students or children will be excluded for 21 days from the last exposure and be instructed to quarantine at home.
Resources
For more information on Measles and cases in North Dakota visit:
https://www.hhs.nd.gov/immunizations/measles
For additional information on Measles and cases in the United States visit: