About Measles (Rubeola)

Measles is a disease caused by the measles virus. Measles is very contagious. 

It spreads when someone who has measles talks, coughs or sneezes near others.

There is no specific treatment for measles, but there are medicines that can reduce some symptoms.

Measles is a Vaccine-Preventable Disease

The MMR vaccine protects you, your children and your community

Signs and symptoms

Close-up of a rash on the face of a child in the U.S. who was infected with measles during an outbreak in 2024.
A rash on the cheek of a child infected with measles during a 2024 U.S. outbreak. (Photo credit: CDC/Tatiana Lanzieri, MD, MPH) | More photos of measles (CDC)

Symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure but can take as long as 21 days to appear.  

Early symptoms

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes

Sometimes small, white bumps or spots appear in the mouth. These are called Koplik spots.

As the disease progresses

After a few days, a rash appears, usually on the head or face. As the days pass, the rash spreads to other parts of the body, including the torso, arms and legs.

The rash fades in the same order it appeared.

How it spreads

Measles is very contagious, and people can spread the virus even before the rash appears.

The virus lives in the nose and throat. When someone who has measles talks, sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets with the virus spray into the air. These droplets can stay in the air and contaminate surfaces for up to two hours.

Why it's dangerous

Babies, young children and pregnant women are at higher risk for complications:

  • Ear infections
  • Diarrhea
  • Pneumonia
  • Immune amnesia (your body forgets how to fight off diseases like flu and hepatitis)

In some cases, measles can lead to brain inflammation (meningitis) or even death.

Fact Sheet: About Measles (PDF)

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This page was last modified on 10/10/2025