Measles
Measles is a very contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. The disease can be prevented by vaccination.
Measles is rare in parts of the world where overall vaccination rates are high, but the disease remains common in parts of Europe, Asia and Africa.
In the U.S., measles is generally transmitted by U.S. residents who become infected while traveling abroad and spread the infection to unvaccinated or unprotected people when they return, or by infected visitors from other countries.
Outbreaks can grow and spread quickly when people who are unvaccinated and unprotected visit the same places as infected people, such as neighborhoods, schools, stores, hospitals or workplaces. Reported measles cases increased in the United States and California during 2019, and many of these cases are due to outbreaks.
It is important for everyone to take steps to protect themselves, their families and their community.
Measles Prevention Tips
The best tool for prevention of measles disease is vaccination.
- Find out where to get vaccinated
- Measles and the Vaccine (Shot) to Prevent It (CDC)
- Measles and the Vaccine (Shot) to Prevent It (Spanish) (CDC)
Before traveling internationally make sure you are up-to-date on all measles vaccinations.