Preventing Measles
Measles Fact Sheet (PDF 14 KB)
Measles is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or,
less commonly, by airborne spread. The virus can be passed to others
for 4-5 days before the rash begins, and through the 4th day after
the rash appears.
Measles is prevented through immunization with the
measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) combination vaccine.
A child should be immunized against these diseases soon
after their first birthday. The vaccine gives long-lasting immunity.
To prevent the spread of measles, follow the precautions
below:
-
Keep infected people isolated until five days after the onset of the rash.
-
Vaccinate un-immunized children over 6months of age
within 3 days (72 hours) of
exposure.
-
Children who were immunized under age one should be
re-immunized after their first birthday.
-
Children who do not receive vaccine should be excluded
from child care until the outbreak is under control (minimum of two
weeks from the last case).
-
Only new children who have been adequately immunized should
be accepted into the center during an outbreak.
Respiratory etiquette (covering your cough or sneeze)
and good hand washing are important ways to reduce the spread of
disease.
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