Measles Spreads Rapidly
Dr. Roberto Posada discusses the importance of immunizations and vaccines.
Measles is highly contagious, and it can spread quickly among people who are not vaccinated. The CDC recommends two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine for children older than 12 months. Infants who are 6 through 11 months old should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before some international travel, according to the CDC. "It is one of the most contagious viruses, and those infected can spread it even before getting sick," said Roberto Posada, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and Medical Education at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "It can also cause life-threatening complications, such as infection of the brain or lungs." Learn more.