Common Questions About the Measles
What is your advice to parents who are concerned about the measles?
All Minnesota children 12 months and older who have not received a measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine should get it now. MMR vaccine is given to children in two doses. The first dose offers good protection, and the second dose provides extra security.
If I haven’t received the measles vaccine (MMR) should I get it now?
Adults who have never received the MMR vaccine and have never had measles should get the vaccine now. Please contact your primary care provider.
How effective is the measles vaccine?
The measles vaccine is very effective. One dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus. Two doses is about 97% effective.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically spreads from head to the rest of the body. A person with measles can pass it to others from four days before their rash appears to four days after it appears.
What is the treatment for someone with measles?
There is no specific treatment for measles. People with measles need bed rest, fluids and control of fever. They may also need treatment for complications such as diarrhea, ear infection or pneumonia.
What is a good source for information?
Find information through the Minnesota Department of Health.
