Immunization - Preventable Diseases

What is Measles?

Measles (rubeola or hard measles) is a very serious disease that is easily passed from person to person by sneezing, coughing or close contact. It causes a high fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a rash lasting one to two weeks. Ear infections and pneumonia can also develop.

In serious cases, measles can cause an infection of the brain, hearing loss, mental retardation and death.

Babies and adults who get measles are more likely to be sicker, suffer longer or die than are school-age children or teen-agers.

Last Updated: 5/5/00

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