How can you get measles?

How can you get measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected.

Can measles be cured?

If you do get the measles virus, medicine won’t cure it (most drugs don’t kill viruses). The best way to speed up your recovery and prevent complications is to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest.

What to avoid if you have measles?

If you’re sick with measles: Stay home from work or school and other public places until you aren’t contagious. This is four days after you first develop the measles rash. Avoid contact with people who may be vulnerable to infection, such as infants too young to be vaccinated and immunocompromised people.

What is measles?

Measles is an airborne disease which spreads easily through the coughs and sneezes of infected people. It may also be spread through contact with saliva or nasal secretions. Measles is caused by the measles virus, a single-stranded, negative-sense, enveloped RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus within the family Paramyxoviridae.

Is measles contagious?

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases there is. If 1 person has it, 9 out of 10 people close to that person who aren’t immune (protected) will also get measles. And it can be dangerous — serious cases of measles can lead to brain damage and even death.

How widespread is measles in the United States?

As a result of high vaccination rates in general, measles hasn’t been widespread in the United States for more than a decade. The United States had about 30 cases of measles in 2004 but more than 600 cases in 2014.

Is the measles rash dangerous?

Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. Measles isn’t just a little rash. Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Measles typically begins with red, watery eyes ( conjunctivitis ). Is it serious? Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children.