How Does Measles Spread? 5 Ways You Can Catch the Virus

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, and a growing outbreak in Pennsylvania has renewed questions about how easily it can spread.

5 Ways You Can Catch Measles

1. Breathing air around an infected person:

Measles spreads via the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. You can easily become infected by being in the same room with someone who has measles.

2. Close contact with an infected person:

Staying for a few minutes near someone who has measles increases the risk of infection, particularly for people who are not immune. It is estimates that up to 9 out of 10 susceptible close contacts can become infected.

3. Contact with respiratory droplets:

Coughing and sneezing can release infectious particles from an infected person’s nose and throat. Breathing those particles in can transmit the virus to another person.

4. Entering a room after an infected person has left:

This is one of the main reasons measles is particularly contagious. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area.

5. Being around someone before their rash appears:

A person with measles can spread the virus before they even realise they are sick. People are generally contagious from 4 days before through 4 days after the rash appears, making early transmission possible before the characteristic rash develops.

If you believe you have been exposed to measles one way or the other, contact a healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility so they can advise you on what to do while reducing the risk of exposing others.