The measles vaccination as a combination vaccination mumps-measles-rubella (MMR) or mumps-measles-rubella varicella (in childhood) is the most important and effective preventive measure.For the prevention of morbilli (measles), attention must furthermore be paid to a reduction of risk factors.
Behavioral risk factors
- Avoid contact with ill persons in the phase of contagion. The duration of contagiousness ranges from five days before the exanthema forms* to four days after the exanthema appears. The infection occurs via droplet infection.
* Spotted rash appearing with small nodules; spreads from the head to the limbs; appears from about the third day.
Note: exposure prophylaxis is not possible.
Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP)
Post-exposure prophylaxis is the provision of medication to prevent illness in persons who are not protected against a particular disease by vaccination but who have been exposed to it. For more information, see “Drug therapy.”