Measles is very contagious (easy to spread) and can cause serious illness and can be dangerous in babies and young children. Measles is caused by a virus and spreads very easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles spreads so easily that anyone who is exposed and not immune (either by being immunized or having had measles in the past) will probably get it.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very safe, effective and the best protection against measles.
The symptoms of measles include a fever, runny nose, cough, rash and red eyes. If you have these symptoms, call your doctor or Columbus Public Health – and stay home and avoid having visitors until you see a doctor.
Columbus Public Health investigates all local measles outbreaks confirmed cases.
Measles Vaccine
The best way to protect against measles is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine which is safe and very effective at preventing measles. Children may get the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine instead, which protects against chickenpox too.
Most people who are vaccinated with MMR and MMRV will be protected for life. Vaccines and high rates of vaccination have made these diseases much less common in the United States.
Get your MMR vaccine from:
Measles Data
Visit the CDC's Measles Cases and Outbreaks (opens in new window) for data and information about current cases and outbreaks in the United States.
Healthcare Providers & Businesses
Infectious Disease Reporting for Healthcare Providers: The Infectious Disease Reporting System is the combined infectious disease reporting system for health care provided in Franklin County, including the City of Columbus. The Columbus and Franklin County Public Health agencies have joined forces to make the reporting, tracking and investigation of infectious disease cases easier and more convenient. Visit IDRS (opens in new window) for more information.