Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology Division

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus.  Measles symptoms may include a rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.  The disease can result in serious complications, such as pneumonia, seizures, inflammation of the brain and, rarely, death.  It is spread by droplets or direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected persons.  Measles vaccine (part of MMR vaccine) can prevent this disease.

Measles is common in many parts of the world, currently including Israel and some European countries.  Recent outbreaks in the United States have been linked to Americans traveling to foreign countries and foreigners visiting the United States.  These outbreaks highlight the importance of measles vaccination to protect against imported measles cases and to prevent the spread of measles in susceptible populations.

General Information

• Measles fact sheet

• Measles Surveillance Worksheet   Instructions

• Measles travel flyer

• Measles Update: Outbreaks Continue in U.S. (CDC website)

• Measles Disease and Vaccination (CDC website)

• Immunization Action Coalition (IAC website)

Information for School/Childcare Providers

• Infectious Disease in School Settings, Guidelines for School Nurses and Personnel

• Infectious Disease in Child Care Settings, Guidelines for Child Care Providers

• School Immunization Requirements (Immunization Program)

Resources for Public Health Agencies

• Communicable Disease Manual
• Measles quarantine notice (template)

Other Resources

• Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:  Measles (CDC)
• Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Measles (CDC, 11th Edition)

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