Measles

🦠 Measles: What Parents Need to Know
Symptoms, Prevention & How to Protect Your Family

At Jefferson Pediatrics and Family Medicine, your child’s health is our priority. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious complications—but the MMR vaccine makes it preventable.

🤒 What Is Measles?
Measles spreads through coughs, sneezes, and airborne droplets that linger up to 2 hours. It's extremely contagious: 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed will become ill.

Contagious window:
4 days before and after the rash appears.

🔍 Symptoms (8–12 days after exposure)
High fever

-Cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes
-Koplik spots (tiny white spots in the mouth)
-Rash starting on the face and spreading
-Possible diarrhea or ear infections
-Serious risks: Pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), hearing loss, or even death.

💡 Home Care
There's no cure, but you can help your child recover:

🛌 Rest & fluids

❄️ Fever relief (acetaminophen/ibuprofen, as directed)

🏠 Stay home for at least 4 days after the rash begins

🌍 Planning to Travel?
Measles remains common in many countries. Check CDC alerts before you go.

Vaccination guidelines for travel:

👶 Under 6 months: Too young to vaccinate—avoid outbreak areas

👶 6–11 months: One early MMR dose (still needs 2 routine doses later)

👧 12+ months: Ensure both routine MMR doses are complete

🏫 If There's a School Outbreak
Unvaccinated kids stay home

MMR within 72 hrs of exposure? May return

Vaccinated after 72 hrs? Stay home for 21 days

Not exposed? Can return after getting the shot

Medical exemptions? Ask us for guidance

🛡️ MMR Vaccine: Safe & Effective
1st dose: 12–15 months

2nd dose: 4–6 years

Travel/outbreak doses may be needed earlier

Protection stats:
✅ 1 dose = 95% effective
✅ 2 doses = 97–99% effective

Vaccination protects your child—and helps shield those who can’t be vaccinated.

📞 Questions or Travel Plans?
Call us to review your child’s vaccine status or if there’s a concern about exposure. We’re here to keep your family healthy and informed.