Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease that can cause serious health complications, especially for young children. The number of measles cases is on the rise — with more than 200 cases reported in 12 states as of March 6, 2025, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms of measles can appear seven to 14 days after contact with another person with the virus, and can include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes and a rash.
The best way to prevent measles is by getting a measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Johns Hopkins Children’s Center pediatric infectious diseases specialists Aaron Milstone, M.D., M.H.S., and Erica Prochaska, M.D., M.H.S., are available to discuss the following topics related to measles:
What is measles?
How measles returned after once being declared eliminated from the U.S.
Prevention measures
How to know if you are protected from measles
What to do if you suspect you or a family member has measles
If you are interested in an interview, please contact Kim Polyniak, communications manager at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, at 443-510-5807 or [email protected].