Measles for Healthcare Providers

More than 90% of the United States (U.S.) population is vaccinated against measles, and in 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. However, measles cases and outbreaks do occur every year because measles is still commonly transmitted in many parts of the world, and international travel can result in measles entering the United States and subsequent transmission that may occur from these imported cases. Measles is more likely to spread and cause outbreaks in populations where groups of people are unvaccinated.

Measles should be suspected in a patient who has an acute illness characterized by:

Generalized, maculopapular rash lasting ≥3 days; and
Temperature ≥101°F or 38.3°C; and
Cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis.

Suspicion of measles should be higher if the patient also has had recent international travel or known or suspected exposure to someone with measles. If you suspect measles, contact LFHD immediately to discuss the case and arrange for state public health laboratory testing as appropriate.

Last Updated: March 9, 2026

Resources

LFHD Contacts for Healthcare Providers