Measles Awareness: Protecting Yourself, Your Family & Our Community
Understanding Measles:
What You Need to Know
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can spread quickly from person to person. While it is sometimes mistaken for a common childhood illness, measles can cause serious health complications, particularly in young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Southern Indiana Community Health Care (SICHC) encourages everyone to understand the signs of measles, know their vaccination status, and take precautions to help protect themselves and others.
Your awareness and cooperation help keep our communities healthy and our clinics safe.
What Are Measles?
Measles are a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.
People who are not protected through vaccination or previous infection are particularly susceptible. In fact, up to 9 out of 10 unprotected people who come into close contact with someone who has measles may become infected.
Measles are not just a rash and fever. It can lead to serious complications, including:
- Pneumonia (lung infection).
- Ear infections and diarrhea.
- Encephalitis (swelling of the brain).
- Pregnancy complications.
- In rare cases, death.
Know the Signs & Symptoms of Measles
Measles symptoms generally develop 7–14 days after exposure, although the timeline can vary.
Early symptoms often include:
- High Fever: Fever that may exceed 104°F.
- Cough: Persistent dry cough.
- Runny Nose: Cold-like symptoms and congestion.
- Red, Watery Eyes: Similar to pink eye.
- Small White Spots: Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth.
A few days after the initial symptoms begin, a red, blotchy rash typically develops. It usually starts around the hairline and face before spreading downward across the neck, torso, arms, and legs.
If you or a family member experiences these symptoms, particularly following a known exposure, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Important: Do not visit a healthcare facility without calling first if you suspect measles.
How Does Measles Spread?
Measles spreads extremely easily through the air.
An infected person can spread the virus when they:
- Cough or sneeze.
- Breathe or talk in shared spaces.
The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
When Is Someone Contagious?
A person with measles can spread the virus to others beginning four days before the rash appears and continuing through four days after the rash begins.
This means someone may unknowingly spread measles before realizing they are sick.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone who is not protected against measles can become infected. However, certain individuals are more likely to experience serious complications.
These include:
- Children under 5 years old.
- Pregnant women.
- Individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Adults over 20 years old.
Protecting yourself through vaccination also helps protect vulnerable members of our community, including infants who are too young to receive the vaccine.
How to Protect Yourself & Your Family
Vaccination Is the Best Protection
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide approximately 97% protection against measles.
The recommended childhood vaccination schedule is:
- First Dose: 12–15 months of age.
- Second Dose: 4–6 years of age.
Adults and children who have not completed the recommended vaccination schedule should talk with their healthcare provider about getting vaccinated.
Pregnant women and certain individuals with weakened immune systems should consult their healthcare provider before receiving the MMR vaccine, as it may not be appropriate for them.
Vaccination protects not only you but also those around you who may be unable to receive the vaccine.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Exposed to Measles?
If you believe you have been around someone diagnosed with measles:
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do this even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others. You may be able to spread the virus before symptoms appear.
- Watch for symptoms. Most people develop symptoms within 7–21 days after exposure.
- Call before seeking medical attention. Tell your healthcare provider about the possible exposure so they can provide instructions and help prevent exposing others.
Depending on your vaccination status, age, and health history, there may be steps that can reduce your chances of developing measles following exposure.
IMPORTANT:
Before Entering an SICHC Clinic
Help Us Keep Our Patients & Staff Safe
Because measles spreads so easily, we ask all patients and visitors to take additional precautions if they believe they may have been exposed.
PLEASE DO NOT ENTER AN SICHC CLINIC IF YOU MAY HAVE MEASLES WITHOUT FIRST CONTACTING OUR STAFF.
When arriving at an SICHC location:
If you or a family member:
- Have been around someone diagnosed with measles;
- Have not received the measles vaccine; AND
- Are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, or a rash;
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
1. RETURN TO YOUR VEHICLE.
Do not enter the clinic building.
Use the clinic’s posted phone number to contact our staff and explain your possible exposure and symptoms.
3. REMAIN IN YOUR VEHICLE.
Wait for instructions from SICHC staff.
4. DO NOT ENTER UNTIL INSTRUCTED.
Our staff will explain the next steps and help coordinate appropriate care.
Your cooperation is essential. These precautions help protect other patients, including infants, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, as well as our healthcare providers and staff.
If you believe you may have measles but have not yet arrived at an SICHC location, please call before coming to the clinic.
Have Questions About Measles or Vaccinations?
If you have questions about measles symptoms, possible exposure, or your vaccination status, speak with your healthcare provider.
For additional information about measles prevention, vaccination, and public health guidance, contact:
Indiana Department of Health
Phone: 317-233-1325
Website: Indiana Department of Health – Measles Information
Additional information:
- CDC – About Measles
- CDC – Measles Symptoms & Complications
- CDC – What to Do If You Get Sick or Are Exposed
We’re Your Neighbor. We’re Here to Help.
At Southern Indiana Community Health Care, the health and safety of our patients, families, and communities are always a priority.
By staying informed, keeping vaccinations current, and following appropriate precautions, we can work together to prevent the spread of measles and protect those most vulnerable.
Thank you for helping us keep Southern Indiana healthy!
