Measles symptoms typically appear 7–21 days after exposure and may include:
- High fever, sometimes above 104°F
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes
- Small bluish-white spots inside the cheeks
A red, blotchy rash usually develops 3–5 days after the fever begins, starting near the hairline and spreading downward toward the hands and feet.
If you develop possible measles symptoms, please call Monroe County Public Health at 641-932-7191.
If you believe you may have measles, do not visit our facility or enter a waiting area. Call the Monroe County Hospital Medical Clinic at 641-932-7172 first and speak with a nurse. Our staff will provide instructions on how to be evaluated safely.
Measles is highly contagious, and entering a shared space could expose babies and others who are not vaccinated. Please remain at home until you receive instructions from a healthcare provider.
The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine. If you are unsure whether you or a family member is fully vaccinated, visit the CDC’s Measles Vaccine Recommendations. This helpful resource explains current recommendations by age and risk level, how many doses may be needed, vaccine effectiveness and guidance for higher-risk groups, including international travelers, college students, and healthcare workers.
