Diseases

Measles

Last Updated: March 24, 2025

​​​​​​​​​What You Need to Know About Measles

What is Measles?

MeaslesExternal Link​ is one of the mos​t highly contagious respiratory diseases caused by a virus. It spreads easily from person to person and causes a blotchy red rash and flu-like sympto​msExternal Link​. Measles can lead to health complications, hospitalization, and death in children and adults.

The best protection against measles and measles-related complications is vaccination!


Visit the Military Healthcare System website to learn more about Measles-Mu​​mps-RubellaExternal Link​.​​

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Questions About MeaslesExternal Link to learn what to do if you've been exposed to measles.​​


Cases an​​d Outbr​​eaks

Recent decline in measle​s vaccination rates worldwide have led to the increased risk of measles cases. Measles cases are on the rise in the U.S. and around the world.

While measles in Service members is rare because of vaccine requirements, there is a potential for outbreaks on ships and in other close-quartered environments. Family members may be at increased risk, especially those who are less-than-fully vaccinated because of young age, medical conditions, or other reasons.

For more information on measles cases and outbreaks, visit:

Measles, Mump​​s, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine​

The MMR vaccine is safe and effective at preventing measles, mumps, and rubella and is the best way to prevent measles and measles-related complications and death. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

The Department of Defense (DoD) works with the CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to offer immunizations to DoD personnel and other beneficiaries. The DoD Immunization ProgramExternal Link​ establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and provides procedures to establish a uniform DoD immunization program.

More Informati​on abo​​ut Measles and the MMR Vaccine