Measles Symptoms

Measles symptoms include:

• a high fever

• cough

• runny nose

• watery red eyes

• and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms begin.

*The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet.

Measles can also cause serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and can lead to miscarriage in pregnant people, premature birth, or a low-birth-weight baby.

Measles Transmission

• The virus spreads easily through the air when someone coughs or sneezes.

• The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

• People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.

• Individuals at risk include those who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past.

Measles Prevention in Schools

• Educate the school community about the signs and symptoms of measles, benefits of vaccination, and encourage children and staff to stay home when sick.

• Follow NJ School Immunization requirements. Getting vaccinated is the best protection against measles.

• Encourage all staff to be current on all routine immunizations, including the MMR. It is especially important to review immunizations prior to travel and be vigilant for illnesses upon return.

• Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before traveling. Infants 6–11 months old should get one dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. Then they should get two more doses after their first birthday. 

• Implement healthy habits in the school:

• Encourage frequent hand washing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Encourage habits such as covering mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and not sharing utensils, water bottles or other items.

• Clean/disinfect surfaces or objects, especially frequently touched surfaces.

Measles Preparedness in Schools

• Review the immunization status for all enrolled children. Ensure all enrolled students have documented evidence of immunity for measles or a valid exemption on file.

• The New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS) is a tool that can assist you when gathering immunization records.

• Be prepared to quickly identify and provide a list of children AND staff without documented evidence of immunity to measles in the event of an exposure.

• Individuals can access official immunization records directly from the Docket ® app.

• Establish a relationship with your local health department (LHD). 

Additional Measles Resources

• Department of Health | Communicable Disease Service | Measles

• NJDOH Factsheet on Measles Exposure

• NJDOH MMR Vaccine Information

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Measles Information

• Measles Cases and Outbreaks | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC

• CDC MMR Vaccine Information

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