Dr. Paul Jawanda serves patients in FirstHealth's Infectious Diseases Clinic and FirstHealth's hospitals. He has important things to know and watch for to keep you and your family safe from measles.
PINEHURST, N.C. – With measles spreading in some parts of the United States and cases reported in North Carolina, FirstHealth is reminding the community to watch for signs and symptoms of the illness.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through coughing, sneezing and even lingering in the air.
While preventable through the MMR vaccine, measles can still cause serious complications, especially for infants, young children, those who aren’t fully vaccinated or those with weakened immune systems.
Early symptoms often resemble a cold, followed by a distinctive rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. Recognizing these signs and contacting a health care provider right away can help protect you, your family and others in the community.
Measles Symptoms to Watch For
Measles symptoms usually appear within 7 to 14 days after exposure and often follow a pattern. Early symptoms can resemble a common viral infection and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and sore throat.
Before the distinctive rash appears, some people may develop tiny white spots inside the mouth. A few days later, a red, blotchy rash can appear. It often:
- Starts at the hairline and face
- Spreads downward across the body
- May join together in patches
- Often comes with a spike in fever
Infectious Diseases Physician Paul Jawanda, M.D.
If you see any of the classic symptoms of measles, it’s important to contact a health care provider right away.
Who is Most at Risk for Measles?
Anyone can get measles if they’re not immune, and some people are at higher risk of severe illness or complications. High-risk groups include infants and young children who aren’t fully vaccinated, unvaccinated pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems (such as cancer patients or transplant recipients) or unvaccinated adults.
Because measles is airborne and can linger in a room for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, outbreaks can spread quickly, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates.
What Should You Do if You Think You Have Measles?
If you have symptoms of measles, it’s important to call before going to any FirstHealth Convenient Care clinic, hospital or outpatient location. This can help us to plan ahead to ensure that others are not exposed to measles.
Stay Home Except for Medical Care
If you are sick, you should avoid the following places:
- School
- Work
- Public places
- Large gatherings
Follow Your Provider’s Instructions
FirstHealth providers may recommend the following:
- Testing for measles
- Supportive care (rest, fluids, fever reducers)
- Monitoring for complications
If someone in your household has been diagnosed with measles, they should isolate from others whenever possible. You should also disinfect high-touch surfaces and confirm the vaccination status of everyone in your household.
How the MMR Vaccine Protects Against Measles
The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is the most effective protection against the virus. It is often given in two doses, with the first coming between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old.
Research shows that two doses of the vaccine provide about 97% protection. In adults, 2 MMR doses is recommended for health care personnel, international travelers, college students and close contact of immunocompromised people.
FirstHealth Infectious Diseases
FirstHealth Infectious Diseases provides a variety of services related to prevention and treatment of diseases caused by infectious agents including infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Physicians in this specialty are trained and board certified in internal medicine and have an additional two years of training and board certification in the specialty of infectious diseases.
About the Author
Jaspaul S. Jawanda, M.D. is an infectious disease physician with FirstHealth. He specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, including viral outbreaks and vaccine-preventable illnesses. Dr. Jawanda is board certified in infectious diseases and serves patients across the Sandhills region of North Carolina.
