Measles is a very contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. Ninety percent of people with close contact with an infected person will get measles if they are not vaccinated. Before the measles vaccine became available, measles was a common childhood disease. Measles is considered the most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses. Symptoms may include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, rash. Measles can have serious complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and miscarriage in pregnant women.

CDC information on measles:

• https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/child/measles.html

• https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/parents-top4.pdf

New Jersey Health Department Information on Measles:

• https://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/topics/measles.shtml