Jun 23, 2025 /
Colds & Illnesses, Parenting
By Kylie Cornwall, MD / Cottonwood
What Parents Need to Know About Measles
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious illness in children. It still occurs internationally and was previously under control in the United States. The current outbreaks in the U.S., including the newly reported measles case in Utah, are occurring where vaccination rates have fallen, so it’s important for parents to stay informed and prepared. The good news is measles is entirely preventable with vaccination! Here’s what you need to know about measles and how to protect your child.
Measles is a viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. It is extremely contagious and easy to catch, if you’re not protected, since the virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours. Symptoms usually start 7-14 days after exposure and include:
Symptoms tend to get worse during the first 1-3 days of illness. Children can be contagious up to 4 days before and after the rash appears. Because of how easily it spreads, just one infected person can pass measles to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals nearby.
Some children recover without complications, but measles can be very serious, especially for babies, young children, those with weakened immune systems, or those who are unvaccinated. Symptoms can worsen and kids can suffer potential complications such as:
The best way to protect your child from measles is the MMR vaccine, which also protects against mumps and rubella. It’s safe, effective, and has been used for decades. The CDC recommends:
Two doses of the MMR vaccines are 97% effective at preventing measles. For infants traveling internationally or during local outbreaks, children can receive immunizations earlier. An early dose can be given as young as 6 months old, and the second dose can be given at least 28 days after the first dose. Talk to your pediatric provider if this applies to your family or if you have questions.
The MMR vaccine has been available since the 1960s. It is made from a live, weaker form of the virus so individuals cannot become seriously ill from the vaccine. Rare side effects include rash, fever, pain at the infection site, and temporary join pain. The vaccine does not cause autism, and children have never died from a vaccine.
If you hear about a measles case in your local area, don’t panic, but do act quickly. Make sure your child is up to date on their vaccines. If your child is too young to be vaccinated, limit their exposure to crowded public places and watch for symptoms. If your child develops a fever or rash, call your pediatrician before you go to the office in person so the clinic can take precautions to protect others.
Measles is preventable, and when communities vaccinate, we protect the most vulnerable—babies, kids with cancer or weakened immune systems, and others who can’t be vaccinated. At Wasatch Pediatrics, we’re here to help you stay informed, up to date, and ALL BETTER.
If you have questions or need to schedule your child’s MMR vaccine, don’t hesitate to call us. Your child’s health and safety are our top priorities.
Free mobile vaccine app – Vaccines On the Go
Vaccine Education Center – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
HealthyChildren.org by the American Academy of Pediatrics
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