Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus spread through the air. The virus can remain the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the area. Symptoms include:
- High Fever (103 Degrees F or higher)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Small white spots inside the mouth
- Rash*
*Rash usually starts behind the ears or on the face and spreads down the body and to arms and legs.
Symptoms typically start between 7 and 14 days after a person is infected or exposed to measles.
Erie County Department of Health is currently monitoring the wastewater for measles virus. This testing is able to detect the difference between “wild-type” measles which would cause illness versus the type of measles found in the vaccination. Individuals who have recently been vaccinated would not contribute to the detection of measles in the wastewater. In other communities throughout the United States that monitor wastewater, measles was typically detected in the wastewater shortly before a positive case was identified. This means that the identification of measles in the wastewater could represent an individual who does not have symptoms or show signs of being sick while shedding the measles virus.
A single wastewater detection of measles RNA is not, by itself, evidence of active community transmission.
Erie County wastewater monitoring covers the City of Erie, Lawrence Park Township, Wesleyville Borough, Harborcreek Township, Millcreek Township, McKean Borough, and portions of Summit and Greene Townships. Individuals who live, work, or spend time in these communities may contribute to the wastewater.
For more information on measles wastewater testing, visit: Wastewater Data for Measles | National Wastewater Surveillance System | CDC
What should I do if I think I have measles?
- Contact your primary care provider or family doctor.
- If you need to go to the hospital or see your doctor, call ahead to let them know that you have symptoms of measles or have been exposed to someone with measles. Wear a mask.
- Stay away from others to avoid spreading the virus.
How is measles treated?
There is no cure for measles, however it can be prevented (see below). Measles is a virus and like other viruses, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. To manage symptoms:
- Rest
- Drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration
- Consider over-the-counter fever reducers or pain relievers, if needed (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Measles typically lasts for about 7 to 10 days after symptoms appear, with the rash appearing around 2 to 4 days after the initial symptoms and fading within about a week
Measles prevention
The vaccines MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) provide protection against measles. Vaccination to measles has been a longstanding requirement for all states for both childcare and school-aged children.
Vaccination is the best protection from measles.
- The MMR and MMRV vaccines contain protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.
- One dose is considered to be 93% effective against measles
- Two doses are considered to be 97% effective against measles
The CDC recommends two doses of measles-containing vaccine (MMR or MMRV) routinely for children:
- The first dose between the ages of 12 and 15 months
- The second dose at age 4 through 6 years before school entry
How do I know if my family and I are protected from measles?
If you have maintained all recommended vaccines for your child and they are over the age of 6 they should be fully protected.
If you have a child in childcare or school, your child should be fully immunized unless you requested an exemption. If you requested an exemption or if they have not met the recommended vaccine schedule for measles contact their primary care provider right away.
A very small proportion of adults (less than 5%) may have received killed measles vaccine from 1963 through 1967 during childhood. Anyone who received measles vaccine of unknown type or inactivated measles vaccine during these years should contact their primary care provider.
Vaccines are available for all age groups. Please contact your healthcare provider if you are uncertain of your vaccination status.
Why Get Vaccinated?
The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing measles.
Vaccinated individuals may still contract measles, but symptoms tend to be milder, and they are less likely to spread the disease.
Primary Care Physicians
Contact your family doctor for information on where you may be able to receive a vaccination. Consider contacting your insurance provider, if applicable, to verify coverage.
Pharmacies
Many major pharmacy chains, including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, offer MMR vaccinations for adults and children. Appointments can be scheduled online or by phone.
Urgent Care Centers
In some areas, urgent care centers may offer the mmr vaccine. Please call and confirm before going.
In Erie, the following urgent care centers DO NOT offer the MMR vaccine.
- Med Express
- UPMC Urgent Care
- St Vincent/AHN Express Care
State and Local Health Departments
Health departments may offer free or low-cost vaccines for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. Contact Erie County Health Department immunization department at 814-451-6777 for information.
Healthcare Providers:
If you suspect a patient with measles, please contact the Erie County Department of Health – Community Health Services at 814-451-7816 for additional guidance.
For More Information on Measles:
Measels (Rubeola) | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC
Measles Vaccination | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC
Measles Fact Sheet – PA Department of health
Measles – NFID – National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Measles – World Health Organization
Questions About Measles | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC
2025-787-3-13-ADV-Measles.pdf – PA Department of Health – Measles Health Advisory