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 signs of the disease 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, 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 your healthcare provider or professional. This includes cases with symptoms of continuous crying, severe ear pain, shortness of breath, unusual restlessness, or any other concerning symptoms.

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

To protect people from the disease, 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated. Like in other countries, Israel is currently facing a measles outbreak in some communities. This outbreak began in April 2025 due to low vaccination rates and infected travelers coming from other countries, leading to local spread. If you or your children have not been vaccinated against measles yet, it is very important to get vaccinated now.

Measles outbreak map of Israel

Vaccination recommendations for residents of these communities

• Infants aged 6–11 months can receive an early measles vaccine shot without an appointment at family care centers (Tipat Halav) and at HMO clinics. An early shot provides about 70%–85% protection against the virus. This shot is in addition to the 2 routine shots given later (at age 1 year and in 1st grade).
• Those over age 1 who have received only one shot of the measles vaccine: It is recommended to get the second shot earlier:
  • For those who received the MMR vaccine – the second shot can be given 28 days after the first shot.
  • For those who received the MMRV vaccine – the second shot can be given 3 months after the first shot.
• Ages 6 and older: Anyone who has not received 2 shots of the measles vaccine should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Learn more about measles vaccination centers

Who should get the measles vaccine and where to get vaccinated

Anyone who has been in contact with a measles case

Call our hotline at *5400 or your local health bureau as soon as possible. Based on your age and vaccination history, it will be determined whether you need the measles vaccine. For those who have never been vaccinated and were exposed to measles, getting vaccinated even after exposure may help prevent the disease or reduce its severity.

Due to the recent outbreak in measles cases in Israel, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the HMOs and other service providers, has opened vaccination stations where you can catch up on the measles vaccination.

View list of measles vaccination centers (in Hebrew)

Vaccination before traveling abroad

If you're planning to travel abroad and you or your children have not been vaccinated against measles (check the table above), it's recommended to get vaccinated before your planned travel:

• If one shot is needed: Get vaccinated at least two weeks before travel.
• If two shots are needed: Get vaccinated at least six weeks before travel.

NOTE

Even if you have less than two weeks before your trip, it's still a good idea to get vaccinated for some protection.

More about measles vaccination before international travel