Measles FAQ

• Pregnant women should not receive the MMR vaccine.
• The MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, which means it contains weakened versions of the measles, mumps, and rubella viruses.
• While it’s generally safe for most people, live vaccines are not recommended during pregnancy because of a theoretical risk they could affect the fetus—even though this has not been proven to happen in practice.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises women to wait at least 4 weeks after receiving the MMR vaccine before becoming pregnant.
• If a woman receives the MMR vaccine and later learns she was pregnant at the time, the CDC does not recommend any intervention, as no harm has been shown in such cases—but vaccination should still be avoided during known pregnancy.
• Women who are not immune should receive the MMR vaccine after giving birth, before leaving the hospital or during a postpartum visit.

Vitamin A does not prevent measles and is not a substitute for vaccination. Consistent with guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics , vitamin A  may be administered to infants and children in the United States with measles who are vitamin A deficient, under the supervision of a healthcare provider as part of supportive management. Children with severe measles, such as those who are hospitalized, should be managed with vitamin A. Overuse of Vitamin A can lead to toxicity  and cause damage to the liver, bones, central nervous system, and skin. Pregnant women should avoid taking high levels of vitamin A, as it has been linked to severe birth defects .

Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal .

If you were vaccinated between 1963-1967 check with your healthcare provider about a revaccination. If you were born before 1957 it is presumed that you have been exposed to measles and are immune. A blood test can confirm if you still have immunity. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure 

• Contact your healthcare provider immediately. CALL before arriving
• Receiving the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure may prevent the disease.
• Alternatively, immune globulin can be administered within six days of exposure for certain individuals.

Measles typically starts with cough, runny nose, and red eyes and often leads to a rash and fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

Early symptoms (first few days)

• Moderate fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red eyes
• Sore throat

Later symptoms (after a few days)

• Blue-white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
• Red-brown rash that starts at the hairline and spreads down the body
• High fever (can go over 104°F)

The rash usually appears 14 days after exposure. Some immunocompromised people may not develop the rash.

Call your doctor before going in—they need to prepare so you or your child don’t expose others.

• Isolate and avoid contact with:
  • Infants
  • Pregnant women
  • People with weak immune systems
• If you are not immune, your doctor may recommend:
  • The MMR vaccine or
  • A medicine called immune globulin to reduce risk.
• If you do not get the vaccine, avoid places with high-risk people (schools, hospitals, child care centers) until your health care provider says it’s safe.

Have someone call the ER to let them know a person with measles so they can prepare so you or your child don’t expose others.

• A hard time breathing or breathing faster than normal
• Signs of severe dehydration (dry nose and mouth, urinating less than usual)
• Confusion, decreased alertness, or severe weakness
• For young children: a blue color around the mouth, crying without making tears, unusually low energy, or severe loss of appetite

Rarely, vaccinated people can still get measles, but their symptoms are milder, and they are less likely to spread it. Two doses of the MMR vaccines provides 97% protection against measles.

No! CCDPH strongly advises against intentionally exposing anyone to infectious diseases like measles.

• Measles can cause severe complications and death, even in otherwise healthy people.
• You can’t predict how severe the symptoms will be.
• Exposing kids on purpose puts others at risk—especially the unvaccinated and people with weakened immune systems.
• Vaccination is the safest way to protect children against measles.

There is no scientific evidence that any vaccine, including MMR, causes autism. Despite extensive research showing no link between the MMR vaccine and autism (CDC, Vaccine Safety ), this dangerous narrative continues to undermine trust and put lives at risk.

Numerous scientific studies over many years have shown there is no connection between autism and the MMR vaccine, confirming its safety and encouraging public confidence in immunization. Still, misinformation continues to spread, and unfounded fears persist.  Autism and Vaccines | Vaccine Safety | CDC

• Diarrhea
• Ear infections (otitis media)
• Lung infection (pneumonia)
• Brain swelling (encephalitis)
• Rare but fatal brain disease (subacute sclerosing panencephalitis)
• Death

These complications are most common among children younger than 5 and adults.