The recent measles outbreak that began in California illustrates the importance of following federal and state vaccination guidelines that are in line with the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC, the World Health Organization, and the Institute of Medicine.

Per Pediatric Critical Care of South Florida, measles is a very contagious disease, transmitted from the respiratory tract when an infected individual sneezes or coughs. The virus is able to live for up to two hours on surfaces or in the airspace where the infected individual coughed or sneezed.

The incubation period ranges from 7-21 days, and it is important to note that an individual can pass the virus to others before developing symptoms.

The early symptoms sign of measles include fever as high as 105 F, malaise, nasal congestion or a runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis, and white spots on the inside of the mouth.  A red rash typically appears about three days after onset of symptoms and the infected individual continues to be contagious for approximately 4 days after rash develops. The rash tends to start behind the ears and on the forehead.  It spreads down the neck, arms, chest and back, and legs.  The rash can last up to  5-7 days before fading. Parents observing these signs should call their pediatrician immediately

Complications from measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, diarrhea, acute encephalitis, and death.