Measles

Measles (rubeola) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or talking. It can also linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours where an infected person was present. The disease often begins with symptoms that resemble a cold. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include:

• High Fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on the face, spreads to the trunk, arms and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin

An individual can spread these infectious particles up to 4 days before they develop a rash or before they even know they are sick.

Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years of age and those who have a compromised immune system.  Complications from measles can include pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), permanent hearing loss, and death. Children under 5, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.

You are considered protected against measles if you have:

• Documentation of two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (usually the MMR vaccine)
• Laboratory-confirmed immunity or past measles infection
• Were born before 1957 (likely to have natural immunity)

If you’re unsure of your vaccination status, now is the time to check. CHA encourages residents to contact their healthcare providers or reach out to CHA directly for assistance in reviewing records or getting vaccinated.

• Children: First MMR dose at 12–15 months; second dose at 4–6 years
• Adults:
  • 1 dose if born in 1957 or later and no prior vaccination
  • 2 doses for high-risk adults (e.g., healthcare workers, international travelers, college students)

Vaccines are available through your primary care provider, local pharmacies, and CHA. To schedule an appointment with CHA, please call (704) 920-1399 or at Measles@CabarrusHealth.org.

If you believe you have been in contact with someone who has measles:

• Do not visit a healthcare facility without calling ahead. This helps avoid spreading the virus to others.
• Contact your provider or CHA immediately to assess your immunity and determine next steps.
• Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP)—including the MMR vaccine or immunoglobulin—may be recommended within a limited timeframe after exposure.

Individuals without evidence of immunity may be asked to quarantine for 21 days after the last known exposure.

Individuals exposed to measles who are not protected against measles should stay home and away from others (quarantine) for 21 days after their last day of exposure. Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be offered to exposed persons who cannot provide evidence of measles protection. PEP prevents or can help make the illness less severe when a person is exposed to measles.

If symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider or CHA before arriving in person. Testing and isolation protocols are in place to prevent further spread. Confirmed cases require isolation from four days before rash onset through four days after.