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Measles Information for Clinicians

Resources

The IDPH Clinician Measles Mini-Toolkit summarizes basic guidance for evaluation of patients with a fever and rash, measles symptoms, differential diagnoses for febrile rash in children, and steps for laboratory testing at the IDPH state laboratory.

Measles is reportable in Illinois immediately, within three hours, to the local health department and/or the Illinois Department of Public Health.

If you suspect measles in a patient:

  • Call your local health department immediately to report the case and receive guidance.
  • Collect specimens for RT-PCR testing at the state lab and hold the specimens until approval has been received from the local health department or IDPH before shipping to the state lab.
  • Refer to the laboratory manual of services for specimen collection, storage, and shipment instructions.
Guidance for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for measles exposures, including for pregnant or immunocompromised persons, can be found here

Please ensure you have contacted your local health department if you suspect measles in any patient for additional guidance on MMR vaccination and PEP administration post-exposure.

MMR Vaccination Recommendations

Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles. One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective.

Clinicians should ensure all patients are up-to-date on MMR vaccination and prioritize timely vaccination administration.

Children

The routine MMR vaccine schedule is a first dose at 12-15 months of age and a second dose at 4-6 years of age.

  • Vaccination is recommended as soon as possible upon reaching age 12 months.
  • Clinicians may consider accelerated dosing for children 12 months and older by administering the second dose at least 28 days after the first dose without waiting until the child turns 4 years old.

Non-High-Risk Adults

Should have at least one dose of the MMR vaccine or other presumptive evidence of immunity (laboratory evidence of immunity, laboratory confirmation of disease, or birth before 1957).

  • Adults who received a measles vaccine in 1963-1967 should check their records to see whether they received the inactivated measles vaccine that was found to be ineffective. If this is the case or unknown, at least one dose of MMR should be given.

High-Risk Adults

Should have two doses of MMR vaccine administered at least 28 days apart or other presumptive evidence of immunity (laboratory evidence of immunity, laboratory confirmation of disease, or birth before 1957). This group includes:

  • Students at post-high school educational institutions.
  • Health care personnel (HCP), including all paid and unpaid persons working in health care settings.
    • Although birth before 1957 is considered presumptive evidence of immunity, for unvaccinated HCP born before 1957 who lack laboratory evidence of immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease, health care facilities should consider vaccinating the HCP with two doses of MMR vaccine at least 28 days apart.
  • Child care facility employees in Illinois are required to show documentation of two doses of MMR vaccine or other presumptive evidence of immunity.

Travelers (Children and Adults)

Measles Information for Travelers

Clinicians should look to the vaccination guidance of the state or local health department for an outbreak-affected community to determine whether vaccination is needed for patients with plans to travel to these areas.

Resources

Resources for Primary Care Clinicians Treating Adults

Resources for Pediatricians and Other Clinicians who Treat Children

Resources for Perinatal Clinicians