Key Information:

• Transmission: Airborne and surface contact. Highly contagious—90% of unvaccinated contacts will be infected.
• Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, red eyes, followed by white spots in the mouth (day 2-3) and a rash starting at the hairline (day 3-5). Fever may exceed 104°F at rash onset.
• Incubation Period: 7-21 days. Most contagious 3-4 days before rash appears.
• Complications: Pneumonia, hearing loss, encephalitis, blindness, and in rare cases, death.
• Testing: PCR test required for confirmation.
• Treatment: Supportive care. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) available—MMR vaccine effective within 72 hours of exposure.
• Prevention: MMR vaccination is the best defense. Schools should verify immunization records or conduct titer testing.

Guidance for Schools & Childcare Centers:

• Report unvaccinated individuals with cold symptoms to epidemiology (325-721-8285).
• Any child with a rash should be sent home and referred for measles evaluation.
• Contact epidemiology for assistance in suspected cases.