Measles Causes & Risks

Causes

The measles virus is spread by:

Direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people
Airborne transmission (less frequently)

Measles is communicable from:

1-2 days before onset of symptoms
3-5 days before the rash
Four days after the appearance of the rash

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing measles:

Unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated
Living in crowded and/or unsanitary conditions
Traveling to less developed countries where measles is common
Season: winter and spring
Immunosuppressed state (eg, untreated HIV ), even if vaccinated
Born after 1956 and never been diagnosed with measles or received a vaccine before 1968, without additional vaccination

Tell your doctor is you have any of the risk factors.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.