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Measles

Measles is a very contagious airborne illness, and it can be serious or even fatal.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk.
Two doses of MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles.

There are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Salt Lake County.

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About Measles

Some people think of measles as just a little rash and fever that clear up in a few days. But measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old.

Measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected.

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

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:

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

Complications
Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years of age. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and swelling of the brain.

More information about symptoms and complications

Measles is very contagious. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen even up to 2 hours after that person has left.

More information about how measles spreads

Protect yourself with the vaccine. The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR is safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

More information about preventing measles

Make an Immunization Appointment

(385) 468-7468
(385) 468-SHOT

Monday through Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Same-day appointments are often available.

Immunization Clinic Locations

Healthcare Providers

When evaluating a patient for suspect measles, assess the following symptoms:

  • Does the patient have a generalized, maculopapular rash? Typically, the rash will start on the face, move down the neck, trunk, arms, leg, and feet. It can appear on the palms of hands and soles of feet. Clinical presentation of rash usually occurs 3 to 5 days after symptoms begin.
  • Does the patient have a temperature ≥101°F or 38.3°C? Fever should present prior to rash onset.
  • Does the patient have cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis? The "three Cs" should present prior to rash onset.
  • Does the patient have Koplik spots in their mouth?

A suspect case cannot be confirmed without correct labs. If a patient is clinically compatible with a measles infection, the following tests must be collected and ordered:

  • Measles IgM - blood serum
  • Measles IgG - blood serum
  • Measles PCR through a nasopharyngeal or throat swab

Contact us to receive approval for PCR testing at the Utah State Public Health Laboratory. Measles serologies can be done at any private laboratory; ARUP offers serology testing with a quick turnaround time.

Other tests can also be helpful for ruling out measles, ideally a respiratory viral panel to consider differential diagnoses. When identifying alternative diagnoses, parvovirus IgM should be ordered, as well.

To help determine if measles testing is appropriate for a patient, also assess the following:

  • Did the patient travel outside of the United States 21 days prior to symptom onset?
  • Did the patient travel outside of Utah 21 days prior to symptom onset?
  • Did the patient have contact with anyone else who traveled recently?
  • Is the patient fully immunized with the MMR vaccine?
  • Does the patient report any sick contacts who also have measles-like symptoms?

If you need immediate information while evaluating a patient, contact us at 385-468-4194 (Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm) or 385-468-8888, option 7 (after hours).

Contact Epidemiology Bureau