Children's Hospital Colorado
More Options

Measles Resources for Pediatric Providers

What you need to know as measles makes a resurgence

The United States is currently experiencing a growing and unprecedented measles outbreak. Colorado reported its first case on March 31, 2025. Measles, which was considered eliminated in 2000, is one of the most contagious acute viral respiratory illnesses. Transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, it can remain airborne for two hours.

Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or bloodshot eyes, white spots in the mouth (Koplik spots), rash, digestive symptoms, sore throat, muscle pain and headache.

As measles cases continue to rise, we’ve compiled national, state and Children’s Hospital Colorado resources to help you manage measles cases and educate patients and families.

National resources

Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have extensive resources for providers to help recognize, diagnose and treat measles. 

American Academy of Pediatrics:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

State resources

Children’s Hospital Colorado resources

General guidance

Firstline resources

Continuing education

All resources are provided for informational use only. Learn more about our terms of use.

Diagnostic testing for measles

Measles is a clinical diagnosis and a nationally notifiable disease. The CDC recommends that all patients with clinical features compatible with measles should undergo testing to inform public health authorities, track outbreaks, investigate cases and implement effective prevention and control measures.

A measles PCR is the preferred test for confirming an acute measles infection. If you suspect a patient has measles and you’re looking to refer them for testing, please consider the following information.

To obtain diagnostic testing, you’ll need approval from Children’s Colorado’s infectious disease team or CDPHE.

Patients requiring a specimen collection or evaluation for measles should be directed to a Children’s Colorado Emergency Department at the following hospitals:

Call OneCall to speak to the Emergency Department to inform them you are sending a patient in with suspected measles. Do not send any patients to an outpatient clinic or urgent care. If you are trying to assess measles immunity, order a measles IgG.

Measles immunization

Immunization for children

The recommended MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine schedule for children is:

  • First dose: 12 to 15 months of age
  • Second dose: 4 to 6 years of age, typically when a child starts school

If travelling to an endemic area of measles or where there’s a known outbreak, infants between 6 to 12 months of age can receive an initial MMR vaccine for protection, although they will still need the first and second doses per the recommended schedule.

Infants under 6 months of age should not receive MMR.

Immunization during pregnancy

  • MMR cannot be given during pregnancy as it is a live vaccine.
  • MMR needs to be given prior to pregnancy.

Immunization for adults

For adults 18 years or older, one dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended.

Two doses are recommended for adults at high risk for exposure and transmission of measles, such as students attending colleges or other post-high school educational institutions, healthcare personnel or international travelers.

Current evidence suggests that immunity after the disease is lifelong, whereas the response after two doses of a measles-containing vaccine declines within 10 to 15 years. People born before 1957 are considered immune.

Manage exposures: post-exposure prophylaxis

In coordination with local or state health departments, provide appropriate measles post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to close contacts without evidence of immunity as soon as possible after exposure. There are two types of PEP for measles. To potentially provide protection or modify the clinical course of disease among susceptible persons, administer one of these:

  • MMR vaccine, if administered within 72 hours of initial measles exposure.
  • Immunoglobulin (IG), if administered within 6 days of exposure. The recommended dose for intramuscular immunoglobulin (IMIG) is 0.5mL/kg, regardless of the contact’s immune status.

Do not administer MMR vaccine and IG simultaneously. This practice invalidates the vaccine.

Stay connected with us

Pediatric specialists at Children’s Colorado are available 24/7 to help healthcare providers offer the best care possible to their pediatric patients. If you want to speak with one of our specialists, please call our OneCall line at 720-777-3999 and we will connect you with the appropriate team member.

Related Items

Measles in the Modern World

Measles, the highly contagious virus once thought to be nearly eradicated, has made a comeback. It is currently affecting our youngest patients in communities around the country.

Facts About Measles in Kids

Measles is a contagious respiratory illness that can be serious in babies and young kids. Our experts answer questions about measles symptoms, treatments and how vaccines can protect your child.

Measles in Children (S2: E30)

Learn about measles presentation, symptoms, vaccinations and more.