Measles: Signs and Symptoms

Measles Outbreak: What to Know
In the United States, Measles had been low on our collective radar, until recently. Now, with the rise of measles in the U.S and the few confirmed cases in Connecticut it’s important to know the facts about the disease.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is spread through the air when infected people cough or sneeze, or through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Since Measles is highly contagious, it can spread rapidly among those who are not vaccinated against it. Most children receive their first Measles vaccine (MMR) at 12 months old with a booster dose at 4 years. Those who have been vaccinated are not at risk of the disease.
In children and adults, Measles often presents as an acute viral illness. Symptoms typically begin with a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and red eyes and are later followed by a generalized red, raised rash that starts on the face and proceeds down the body.
Individuals are contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after the rash appears.
Due to the contagious nature of the disease, if you are experiencing a fever and a rash and believe you might have Measles, call your doctor or find the nearest PhysicianOne Urgent Care clinic and alert them to your possible illness. No appointment necessary. Open 365 days a year. Just walk-in.