Measles Overview
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. The disease of measles and the virus that causes it share the same name. The disease is also called rubeola.
Measles causes fever, runny nose, cough and a rash all over the body. About one out of 10 children with measles also gets an ear infection, and up to one out of 20 gets pneumonia. For every 1,000 children who get measles, one or two will die. Other rash-causing diseases often confused with measles include roseola (roseola infantum) and rubella (German measles)...more
Vaccination
Measles can be prevented by the combination MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
- For Those Getting Vaccinated Vaccination recommendations and other useful information about the measles vaccine
- Clinical Information for Healthcare Professionals Measles references and resources, provider education tools, and materials for patients
- Vaccination Coverage Estimates of the number of people living in the U.S. who have been received particular vaccines
Feature Story: Measles: Make Sure Your Child Is Fully Immunized
Measles Information for Kids
The measles virus first grows, unseen inside the throat and/or lungs. Then symptoms you can see start showing up...more (288 KB, 1 page)
Measles Photos
Advice for Travelers
Measles is still common in other countries. Before traveling internationally, make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date.
- Traveling to the Olympics this summer? Be careful what you bring back CDC Public Health Matters Blog
Measles Outbreaks
- Measles—United States, 2011 MMWR. 20 April 2012
During 2011, 222 people in the United States were reported to have measles. There were 17 measles outbreaks in various U.S. communities. - 2012 Measles Update Measles information for U.S. travelers and citizens living in other countries.
- Podcast: Measles Can Travel Podcast about a 2007 measles outbreak in the U.S. and steps that can be taken to prevent future outbreaks.
Recursos en Español
(Spanish Resources)
Recursos de CDC y otros recursos en Español
CDC resources and other resources in Spanish
- Sarampión: asegúrese de que su hijo haya recibido todas las vacunas (Measles: Make Sure Your Child Is Fully Immunized)
- ¿Qué pasaría si suspendiéramos las campañas de vacunación? (What Would Happen If We Stopped Vaccinations?)
This symbol means you are leaving the CDC.gov Web site. For more information, please see CDC's Exit Notification and Disclaimer policy.
Copyrighted images: Images on this website which are copyrighted were used with permission of the copyright holder and are not in the public domain. CDC has licensed these images for use in the materials provided on this website, and the materials in the form presented on this website may be used without seeking further permission. Any other use of copyrighted images requires permission from the copyright holder.
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348 - New Hours of Operation
8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
Closed Holidays - cdcinfo@cdc.gov