What to Know Right Now

    • As of February 23, 2023, the community measles outbreak in Franklin County is over.
    • While the current outbreak is over, the risk of future measles cases in our community is very real.
    • It is important to get vaccinated with the safe and highly effective MMR shot. Read below to learn more.

About Measles (Rubeola)

Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus. Measles is caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family and it is normally passed through direct contact and through the air. The virus infects the respiratory tract , then spreads throughout the body. Measles is a human disease and is not known to occur in animals.

Measles Symptoms

Measles starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. It’s followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Two or three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth. Measles virus is highly contagious virus and spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing. The best way to prevent measles, mumps and rubella is with the (MMR) vaccine.

Franklin County Public Health offers the MMR vaccine at all of our Immunization Clinics.

Protection: Get Your MMR Vaccine

Protect Your Family From Measles

Measles can be prevented with MMR vaccine. The vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.

The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

Ensure Your Children are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

CDC recommends that children get two doses of MMR vaccine:

1st Dose

12 through 15 months of age

2nd Dose

4 through 6 years of age

 

Teens and adults should also be up to date on MMR vaccinations.

Stay Home When Sick & Talk to Your Doctor

Stay home or keep children
home when ill.

Seek medical attention
for symptoms.

Measles FAQ