Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable viral infection. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old.

Currently, there is no evidence of ongoing transmission of measles in Maryland.  However, there are ongoing measles outbreaks in other states and internationally. ​​

The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles.

Protect yourself and your family by getting the MMR vaccine. The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR is safe and effective. The CDC recommends all children get two doses of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

Talk to your healthcare provider about getting the MMR vaccine or call the health department at (410) 996-5100.

Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus, but can appear as many as 21 days after exposure. Common measles symptoms include:

• High fever (may spike to more than 104° F)
• Cough
• Runny nose  (coryza)
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Rash

If you or your child have symptoms of measles, please call your healthcare provider immediately. Please call ahead of your visit so they can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals.

Stay home if you are sick and do not allow visitors in your home, as measles is highly contagious.

Measles can be serious in all age groups. However, there are several groups that are more likely to suffer from measles complications:

• Children younger than 5 years of age
• Adults older than 20 years of age
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems

Common complications of measles include ear infections and diarrhea. Some people may suffer from severe complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). They may need to be hospitalized and could die.

Measles is very contagious and typically begins with fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (pink eye), lasting 2-4 days prior to rash onset. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been up to 2 hours after that person has left. Infected people are contagious from 4 days before the rash starts through 4 days afterward.