Cases of measles are on the rise, with more than 30 cases being reported in Illinois to date. Measles is a very serious, highly contagious disease. It’s caused by a virus. You can catch measles by just being in a room where a person with measles has been. Measles is spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by direct contact with infected nose or throat discharge.
Some symptoms of measles include:
- A rash that starts on the face and neck and then spreads – appearing about 14 days after exposure
- A high fever – usually starting about ten days after exposure
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes
Measles can be serious in all age groups. However, children younger than age 5, adults older than age 20, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at risk for complications.
If you have these symptoms or have been around someone who has measles, immediately call your primary care provider (PCP) and let them know. Your PCP can make special arrangements to test you without putting others at risk. You can also contact your local health department for assistance. Or call Member Services at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY:711) if you need help.
Treatment for measles includes bed rest, lots of fluids and medicine for fever and headache. Antibiotics don’t help – either to cure measles or to prevent it. There are no antiviral drugs for treating measles. You should stay away from others if you have measles to prevent spreading the illness.
Vaccination is the best protection
The best protection against measles is vaccination. But immunization rates have slightly declined in recent years. This shot is given as the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. A full two-dose vaccination provides about 97 percent protection from measles, mumps and rubella. The first dose of the vaccine is recommended for children at 12 months to 15 months. The second dose is given at 4 to 6 years of age.
We want you to stay safe. If you work in a health care setting, it’s recommended you get two doses of MMR unless you’ve already had the disease. Anyone planning to travel internationally should make sure they are protected against measles and other dangerous illnesses before they go abroad. Women of childbearing age should check with their doctor to make sure they’re vaccinated before they get pregnant.
Women should not get the vaccine if they are already pregnant or if they plan to get pregnant within three months after getting the vaccine.
Your doctor can help you determine if you’ve had the MMR vaccine, or if you have any questions about your risk for measles.