Measles
Akron Children’s is closely monitoring measles cases in Ohio. To help minimize the risk and spread of the disease, we have implemented protocols to treat confirmed and suspected measles cases.
If you’re concerned about measles, have questions about the vaccine or think your child needs to be seen, call their doctor. If you’re bringing a child with measles or suspected measles to one of our emergency rooms, urgent cares or doctor’s offices, please call ahead and let staff know. They will tell you what to do once you arrive.
What is measles?
Measles is a very contagious virus. It is spread by being near someone with measles or touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching your hands, eyes or mouth.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms include fever, rash that has started on the forehead and spread to the feet, cough and congestion. The only way to protect against measles is with two doses of the MMR shot.
More measles resources
Articles, videos and frequently asked questions about measles
- Preventing measles (video)
- What parents need to know about measles (Article)
- What parents should know about vitamin A and measles (Article)
- What parents need to know about the measles (Video)
- Measles FAQ for parents
- What is Akron Children's doing to minimize the risk of spreading measles?
- Ohio reported its first measles case in 2025. Here’s what you need to know about this highly contagious virus. (Media article)
- Ohio reports first measles case. When was the last time Stark County had one confirmed? (Media article)
- Local pharmacies offer measles shots amid Ashtabula County outbreak (Media article)
- Northeast Ohio public health officials urge measles vaccinations (Media article)
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious virus. It causes a widespread rash, fever and flu-like symptoms and can lead to dangerous complications and death.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms of measles appear 7 to 14 days after infection. Measles symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Congestion
- A rash that begins on the forehead and spreads to the feet
- Red, watery eyes
- Headache
The first symptoms of measles that appear 7 to 14 days after infection are high fever, congestion and red, watery eyes. The rash appears 3 to 5 days after measles symptoms begin. Read more about what parents should know about measles.
What does a measles rash look like?
A measles rash is a red, blotchy rash that begins on the forehead and spreads down the body to the feet. The rash may be flat or a little raised. Spots may also join together. On darker pigmented skin, the rash may appear purple or may be harder to see. The rash is not itchy.
What complications can happen from measles?
A measles infection can cause complications like:
- Pneumonia
- Blindness
- Ear infections
- Swelling of the brain
- Bronchitis
- Death
How do you get measles?
If your child has not received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, they can get infected with measles by:
- Being around someone with measles
- Touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes
Can measles be prevented?
Measles can be prevented with two doses of the MMR vaccine. If you have questions about the vaccine or aren’t sure if your child has received two doses, talk to their doctor.
How is measles treated?
If your child has a diagnosed case of measles without complications, you can treat at home with:
- Pain relievers
- Fluids
- Rest
Can vitamin A be used to treat or prevent measles?
Vitamin A cannot be used to prevent measles. Your child’s doctor may recommend giving them vitamin A if they have a confirmed case of the measles. This is because the virus lessens the amount of vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A can help keep the virus from getting more severe. Vitamin A cannot treat measles. Do not give your child doses of vitamin A without seeing their doctor. Too much vitamin A can cause liver damage, coma and death.
What should I do if I think my child has the measles?
If you think your child has the measles or they have not received both doses of the MMR vaccine and have been around someone with the virus, call their doctor.
When should I get emergency care with the measles?
Go to the emergency room if you child has these symptoms from measles:
- A hard time breathing or if your child’s mouth looks blue
- Your child is peeing less than usual, when they cry there are no tears or if their mouth is very dry
- Your child is confused, is hard to wake up or has changes in behavior Call ahead before you go to the emergency room and let the person on the phone know your child needs to be seen for suspected or confirmed measles. Staff will tell you what to do once you arrive.
More information
Akron Children’s infection control and prevention team, as well as its clinical leaders, are closely monitoring measles cases and outbreaks in Ohio. We have implemented a protocol for suspected measles cases in patient care settings, and are working to educate patients and families on the symptoms of measles as well as the importance of vaccination.
