DDPHE Blog: Protecting Kids Under 6 from Measles

Measles is very contagious. Nearly one out of every three children under the age of 5 who catches measles ends up in the hospital. Given the current measles outbreaks in neighboring states and cases popping up in Colorado, the risk of your child coming in contact with measles is higher than usual and your baby may be at increased risk for severe illness if they are exposed.

What are the signs and symptoms of measles in babies?

Measles typically starts like a bad cold with symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis (pink eye). Typically, two to four days after cold-like symptoms, a rash then starts to develop on the head and spreads down to the rest of the body. Many children also get ear infections.

While the main symptoms of measles are bad enough, the reason we vaccinate against measles is to prevent the complications associated with it―such as pneumonia and encephalitis (an infection of the brain).

How soon can my baby get the measles vaccine?

All children should get two doses of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.

If you live in or plan to travel to a community experiencing an outbreak, or if you travel internationally, your baby may be vaccinated as early as 6 months of age. Talk with your pediatrician or a member of the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) Public Health Nursing team for recommendations.

Other things that can help protect your baby

• Limit your baby's exposure to crowds, other children, and anyone with a cold.

• Prevent germs at home. Disinfect objects and surfaces in your home regularly.

• Feed your baby breastmilk. It has unique antibodies to prevent and fight infections.