Recognizing Measles Symptoms

Local public health officials are urging residents to take action as measles continues to spread across the United States at an unusually high rate. In 2025, more than 1,000 cases have been confirmed nationwide, including three cases in Iowa. If you or your child is not up to date on your vaccinations, now is the time to get protected. Measles spreads easily—an infected person can pass it to others before they even know they are sick.

Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus:

• It can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children.
• Measles spreads through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes.
• The virus can stay in the air for 2 hours after a person with measles leaves the space.
• It is so contagious that about 9 out of 10 people who come near a person with measles will also become infected if not vaccinated.
• The best way to prevent measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Recognizing measles symptoms and getting appropriate medical care is important to help prevent spread of the virus and to prevent severe complications.

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:

• High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red and/or watery eyes
• Rash (breaks out 3-5 days after symptoms begin)

Measles can cause severe health problems, including:

• Pneumonia
• Swelling of the brain (encephalitis)
• Possibly even death

If someone in your family has measles symptoms:

• Keep them away from family members who are not sick.
• Everyone in the house should stay home to keep friends and neighbors from getting sick.
• Call your medical provider to let them know someone in your home may be sick with measles. They will provide guidance.

When to go to the emergency room:

If the person who is sick gets rapidly worse or has any of the symptoms listed below, take them to the emergency department or a hospital immediately. DO NOT WAIT.

• Trouble breathing (or breathing faster than normal)
• Pain when breathing or coughing
• Dehydration (dry nose and mouth, urinating less, crying without making tears)
• Fever or headache that will not stop
• Confusion, decreased alertness, or severe weakness
• Blue color around the mouth, low energy, or difficulty feeding (for young children)

If able, notify the hospital before you arrive. Let the hospital know that a person who may be sick with measles is coming.

MMR vaccination is the best way to prevent measles and its complications. For those who cannot or prefer not to get vaccinated, the risk of measles infection and severe illness during an outbreak is much higher. Recognizing measles and getting appropriate medical care is important to help prevent the spread of the virus and to prevent severe complications.