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Measles is a highly contagious and sometimes life-threatening infectious disease. Over the past decade, there has been a resurgence of measles outbreaks in Europe, the United States, and Israel. The Ministry of Health recommends that travelers ensure they are vaccinated against the disease and continues to update its vaccination guidelines.
Measles (rubeola) is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. The virus lives in the nose and throat of infected individuals and causes fever, rash, red eyes, and cough. Measles is highly contagious, spreading through the air and by contact with saliva droplets and body fluids (via coughing and sneezing), and can survive on surfaces for up to two hours. It is so contagious that 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected.
There is a vaccine against measles that is considered 99% effective. In 2000, the World Health Organization declared measles eliminated from the United States. However, the rise of anti-vaccination movements has led to the return of diseases once considered eradicated. As of April 2025, there is a sharp rise in measles cases in the U.S., with global and local outbreaks, including in Israel.
Measles is a highly contagious childhood illness that causes a widespread rash. It is caused by an airborne virus and spreads through coughing, sneezing, sharing food or drinks, or being in the same room as an infected person.
Contagion begins four days before the rash appears and continues for four days after. The virus is most contagious before the rash is visible.
Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure. Initial symptoms resemble a severe cold: rising fever (which can exceed 39°C/102°F), runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes.
These symptoms fade as small red spots appear inside the mouth, followed by a full-body rash.
The rash begins along the hairline, spreads to the face and neck, and within two days covers the entire body, including hands and feet. The rash forms distinct patches that turn white when pressed. It fades in the order it appeared and may leave behind peeling skin.
The incubation period (time from exposure to symptoms) is 10–14 days.
If measles symptoms appear, it is essential to contact your clinic before arriving, to prevent exposing others.
The rash typically appears 3–4 days after the fever starts. It begins as red spots that may merge into larger patches, starting on the face and gradually spreading to the neck, abdomen, arms, back, and legs.
After a few days, the rash fades, symptoms improve, and skin peeling may occur, similar to a mild sunburn.
The World Health Organization describes measles as "the most deadly rash-causing childhood illness."
Children under 5 and adults over 20 are at highest risk of life-threatening complications.
While most people recover within two weeks, measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, middle ear infection, eye infections, liver inflammation, meningitis, brain swelling, and more.
The most severe complication is SSPE (subacute sclerosing panencephalitis), a chronic brain inflammation that appears 7–13 years after infection. It is almost always fatal and leads to irreversible brain damage, cognitive decline, seizures, and more.
Although rare, the extreme contagiousness of measles means that even uncommon complications increase when case numbers rise.
There is no cure for measles, and antibiotics are ineffective. Supportive care at home, including fever reducers and pain relievers, is the most effective treatment. To avoid spreading the virus, contact with unvaccinated individuals and those with weakened immune systems should be minimized.
If exposed to measles, contact your medical center immediately. Preventive treatment (vaccination) may be recommended based on age and vaccination status. Post-exposure vaccination can prevent or lessen the disease if given within a specific time frame.
Active vaccination is most effective within 72 hours of exposure but may be given up to 6 days after.
Passive immunization (immunoglobulin) is effective within 6 days of exposure and is given to people who cannot receive the active vaccine, such as infants under six months, pregnant women, or severely immunocompromised individuals.
In these cases, passive immunization (immunoglobulin) is recommended, though it provides only short-term protection.
Vaccine type and eligibility are determined by the Ministry of Health's epidemiological team.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles and its complications. Immunity typically develops within two weeks after vaccination.
The vaccine is very safe, and side effects are typically mild, such as low-grade fever or a temporary rash 6–12 days after vaccination.
Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own:
Seek medical advice if your child appears unusually lethargic, has a persistent fever (over 48 hours), experiences seizures, shows unexplained bruising, or anything else causes concern.
Due to recent measles outbreaks, the Ministry of Health recommends before traveling abroad to adhere to the following guidelines:
If only one dose was received, a second is recommended.
Please note:
Pregnant women should not receive the MMR vaccine
If vaccination records are missing, one dose is advised, or the person should be referred to a travel clinic or health office
Infants (6–12 months): MMR vaccine at Tipat Halav, free of charge
Children (1–6 years): MMRV vaccine at Tipat Halav, free of charge
Grades 1–9: School-based vaccination, free of charge
Grades 9–12 (unvaccinated): At the Ministry of Health clinics, free of charge
Ages 18+: Available for a fee at travel clinics or at Ministry of Health clinics
Anyone not born in Israel or lacking vaccination documentation should be referred to a travel clinic or health office. Consultations and vaccines at these locations may involve a fee.
Anyone with medical documentation of a past measles infection confirmed clinically and in a lab
Anyone with documentation of two vaccine doses given at least four weeks apart after the age of 12 months
