Measles is a serious respiratory disease (in the lungs and breathing tubes) that causes a rash and fever. It is very contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you or your child has been exposed to measles.

Symptoms

The symptoms of measles generally appear 7-14 days after a person is infected. Measles typically begins with:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red or watery eyes

A Few Days Later:

• Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth.
• A red, blotchy rash may begin on the face and spread down the body.
• The fever may become higher when the rash appears.

Among people who are susceptible, 9 out of 10 will develop measles when exposed to the virus. About 3 out of 10 people who get measles may develop one or more complications, including pneumonia, ear infections, or diarrhea. Complications are more common in older adults and young children. Measles can be serious, especially for children younger than five years of age. It can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death. The best protection against measles is vaccination.

Measles Vaccination

Measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. In the United States, widespread use of the measles vaccine has led to a reduction in measles cases compared with the pre-vaccine era.

SMCHD offers measles vaccines to all St. Mary’s County community members, regardless of ability to pay. Community members may contact the SMCHD Health Clinic at 301-475-4330 to schedule an appointment for the vaccine or attend measles vaccine clinics at the following dates/locations:

Currently scheduled MMR Vaccine Clinics are:

• Tuesday, July 28, 2026 from 8:30am-11am at SMCHD Main Office (21580 Peabody St., Leonardtown)
• Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 8:30am-11am at SMCHD Main Office (21580 Peabody St., Leonardtown)

Vaccination recommendations are as follows (pregnant persons and severely immunocompromised should not get measles vaccine):

• Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12–15 months of age and the second dose at 4–6 years of age. The second dose can be received earlier as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose.
  • Infants 6-11 months of age who are traveling to or living in a community where measles is spreading may receive “dose zero” (early dose) and then continue with “dose one” at 12-15 months and “dose two” at 4-6 years (they may also accelerate “dose two” at age 1-4 yrs if at least 28 days after a prior dose).
• Adults who do not have evidence of immunity against measles:
  • Born before 1957: Most in this age group may have natural immunity. However, for those without evidence of immunity against measles and who are living in a community where measles may be spreading, consider obtaining 2 MMR vaccine doses at least 28 days apart for protection.
  • Born in 1957 or later: For those who are living in a community where measles may be spreading, consider obtaining 2 MMR vaccine doses at least 28 days apart for protection. If you have already had one dose, you can get a second dose as long as it has been at least 28 days since the first dose.
• Healthcare personnel and first responders should have documented evidence of immunity against measles. Healthcare personnel without evidence of immunity should get two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.   

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for Measles

Individuals exposed to measles who cannot readily show that they have adequate presumptive evidence of immunity against measles are eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

There are two types of PEP for measles:

• MMR vaccine, if administered within 72 hours of initial measles exposure.
• Immunoglobulin (IG), if administered within 6 days of exposure.

If you think you may have been exposed to measles, call SMCHD at 240-735-8288

Information & Resources for Health Care Providers