Measles is an acute, highly infectious viral disease. It spreads mainly by airborne droplets and airborne transmission (during coughing, sneezing, talking), and the virus can remain infectious in the air for up to 2 hours after a sick person has left the room. Humans are the only reservoir of the measles virus.
The incubation period is usually approx. 7–14 days until the first symptoms, and the rash appears a few days later. Most at risk are non-immunized people (unvaccinated or vaccinated with incomplete schedule). With close contact with a sick person, even 9 out of 10 people without immunity can get sick. Severe course and complications more often concern, among others, children <5 years old, pregnant women, and people with immune disorders.
Measles usually starts with symptoms resembling an infection:
Then Koplik spots (small white spots in the mouth) may appear, and after subsequent days a characteristic maculopapular rash, which usually starts on the face/behind the ears and "descends" down the body.
Possible complications include pneumonia and encephalitis (rarer, but serious). After recovering from measles, permanent immunity usually remains.
Urgent medical consultation is particularly important when: very high fever, shortness of breath, severe weakness/drowsiness, convulsions, symptoms of dehydration (e.g., little urine), disturbances of consciousness, or rapid deterioration of condition appear – especially in small children, pregnant women, and people with reduced immunity.
Measles occurs all over the world, and the greatest risk concerns places where the level of vaccination is low and outbreaks occur easily. WHO indicates that the disease is still particularly frequent in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
For travelers, the most important thing is that infection can occur anywhere if we encounter a sick person (e.g., in transport, at the airport, in a hotel, in crowded places).
Since measles is exceptionally infectious and transmitted by air:
This is the most effective method of prevention.
After contact with measles: in some situations, administering MMR up to 72 hours after exposure can reduce the risk or alleviate the course; alternatively, immunoglobulin is used up to 6 days (decided by a doctor).
Measles is a very infectious viral disease that can lead to serious complications, especially in children <5 years old, pregnant women, and people with reduced immunity. The best protection is MMR vaccination in a 2-dose schedule – it is worth checking your documentation and replenishing missing doses before traveling or before the season of increased risk. If you are planning a trip, optimally report a few weeks earlier to make it in time to receive the necessary doses (and in case of exposure – quick contact with a doctor counts).