Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It can cause serious complications in the lungs and nervous system. Children under 5 years old and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for complications. About 1 in 1,000 people with measles may die from it. Measles spreads easily; if you are not vaccinated, you have a 90% chance of getting sick after being around someone who has it.

At-risk groups

The risk of complications is greater in children under 5, adults over 20, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, affecting both the mother and the fetus.

• The virus spreads through the air when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes or by coming into contact with droplets from their nose or throat.

• It can also spread by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes or mouth.

• Just being in the same room as someone with measles—or even entering a room up to two hours after they’ve been there—can also result in infection.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through a doctor's examination. The doctor will look for symptoms of measles and check if you have been in contact with someone who has measles. They may also send you for a lab test to confirm the diagnosis.

Duration

Symptoms usually show up 8 to 12 days after being exposed to the virus, but it can also take anywhere from 7 to 21 days.

On the 4th or 5th day after symptoms begin, dark red spots appear on the skin, and sometimes white spots can be seen inside the mouth. The rash typically begins on the face and neck before spreading to the body and limbs. At first, the spots are small and numerous, but they can join together to form a larger rash. By the 3rd day after the rash appears, it usually goes away, and the patient often begins to feel better.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for measles, only supportive care:

• Get plenty of rest.

• Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration, especially if you have a high fever or diarrhea.

• Use medicine to reduce fever and relieve sore throat and muscle pain, but only after consulting your doctor.

Isolation

To prevent spreading measles and protect others, it’s important to follow these guidelines:

• Stay home from the onset of measles until at least 4 days have passed since the rash appeared.

• Avoid contact with people who have not been vaccinated against measles.

• It's especially important to avoid contact with at-risk people, including family members in the same household.

• Do not go to work or school. Those who have had measles cannot go back to school without a doctor's note.

When to seek medical treatment

If the patient's condition worsens, consult a healthcare provider or professional. This includes cases with symptoms of continuous crying, severe ear pain, shortness of breath, unusual restlessness, or any other symptoms that are of concern.

If you're going to a clinic or medical center, let them know in advance that you're bringing someone with measles. It's best to avoid public transportation and use a private vehicle instead.

Measles Outbreak in Israel

Like in other countries, there are currently communities in Israel with an active measles outbreak. The outbreak began in April 2025 due to a drop in vaccination rates and the arrival of infected travelers from abroad.

To protect the population from the disease, 95% of people need to be vaccinated.

If you or your children have not yet been vaccinated against measles, it is very important to complete the vaccination.

Measles incidence map in Israel

Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Measles

• Residents in communities with an active measles outbreak.
• Planning to visit or meet people from these communities.
• Planning to travel abroad.

Recommendations:

• Infants aged 6–11 months – an additional early dose of the measles vaccine is recommended. The vaccine can be given without an appointment at a family care center (Tipat Halav) or HMO clinics. This early dose is in addition to the two routine doses given later (at 12 months and in first grade).
• Children and adults over 1 year old who received only one measles dose – it is recommended to get the second dose earlier:
  
  • Those who received the MMR vaccine can get the second dose 28 days after the first.
  • Those who received the MMRV vaccine can get the second dose 3 months after the first.
• Children and adults aged 6 and older who have not received 2 doses of measles vaccine – should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

People Exposed to a Confirmed Measles Case

Contact the Ministry of Health hotline at *5400 or your local Health Bureau as soon as possible. Based on your age and vaccination status, you will be advised on whether you need a measles vaccine. Even those who were not vaccinated before and were exposed to a measles patient can benefit from vaccination after exposure, either preventing the disease or reducing its severity.

People Not Exposed to a Confirmed Measles Case

Where to Get Vaccinated

Due to the measles outbreak in Israel at this time, the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with HMOs and other service providers, has opened centers where you can complete a measles vaccination.

Information on measles vaccination stations

Vaccination Before Traveling Abroad

If you are planning to travel abroad and have not been vaccinated against measles, or if your children have not been vaccinated (check according to the table above) – it is recommended to get vaccinated before your trip:

• If you need 1 shot: it is best to get vaccinated at least two weeks before the flight.
• If you need 2 shots: it is best to start the process at least 6 weeks before the flight.

Note: even if there are less than two weeks until your flight, it is still recommended to complete the vaccination to provide at least partial protection.

Information on vaccinations for travelers abroad