Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, red, watery eyes, and other complications. Measles is a virus that spreads easily from person to person, primarily through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. Measles is not rubella which is sometimes called the German or 3-day measles.
Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure. Measles is contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash.
People at highest risk from exposure to measles include those who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants under six months of age and those with weakened immune systems.
For more information about measles and measles vaccination:
Washington State Department of Health