View Measles Information - Dashboard, Resources, & FAQs. For additional information on symptoms, vaccination, and potential exposure call the Measles Hotline at (915) 212-HELP (4357).
Measles is one of the most easily transmitted viruses known to man. It spreads via the respiratory system – much like influenza and TB. An infected person coughs the virus and others inhale it. The measles virus remains infectious in the air up to two hours after the infectious individual has left the area.
Also called rubeola, measles can be serious and even fatal for small children. While death rates have been falling worldwide as more children receive the measles vaccine, the disease still kills more than 100,000 people a year, most under the age of five.
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Call (915) 212-HELP (4357) for additional information on measles symptoms, vaccination, and potential exposure. Residents can also call 2-1-1. Available 8 AM - 5 PM Monday-Friday.
It takes an average of 10–12 days from exposure to the onset of the first symptom, which is usually fever. The measles rash doesn’t usually appear until approximately 14 days after exposure, 2–3 days after the fever begins. Unfortunately, patients are infectious for four days BEFORE rash symptoms appear to four days after they appear. As such, seemingly healthy individuals going about their business in the community can be unknowingly infecting others. Isolation of infectious individuals also helps in diminishing the subsequent infection of others.
Vaccination remains the best form of defense against measles.
Vaccinations & Immunizations
The CDC defines a measles outbreak as three or more cases within a community. We now meet that definition. Those who are concerned that they are showing signs and symptoms of a measles infection should visit their medical care provider, or those who would like more information may call 2-1-1 to receive further instructions.
A reminder from the Department of Public Health on how prevention is key in the fight against measles.
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Measles is the most contagious viral disease known nowadays. Measles can cause serious complications which can be prevented.
Measles spreads through contaminated air or surfaces when someone who is infected or sick with measles coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can live up to two hours in the air after an infected person leaves the area.
Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Measles typically begins with:
2–3 days after symptoms begin: Koplik spotsTiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.
3–5 days after symptoms begin: measles rashMeasles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline. They then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots. The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body. When the rash appears, a person's fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.
There is no specific medicine given for measles. Doctors treat mostly the symptoms and complications.
Yes, there is a measles vaccine. The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is available at all City of El Paso Department of Public Health Community Clinics learn more on our Vaccinations & Immunizations page.
No, the CDC considers people who received two doses of measles vaccine as children according to the U.S. vaccination schedule protected for life, and they do not ever need a booster dose.
If you're not sure whether you are fully vaccinated, talk with your healthcare provider. Get answers to frequently asked questions about measles and the vaccine used to prevent it - CDC Questions & Answers About Measles.