Recognizing and Diagnosing Measles in the Clinic
By Hao P. Tran, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital
The lead article of the Fall 2025 issue of the EPSDT Care for Kids newsletter focuses on the importance of recognizing and diagnosing measles in the clinic. But because measles was officially eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, many pediatric providers have never seen a case of measles infection.
Measles is the most highly infectious febrile rash illness, infecting up to 90% of vulnerable close contacts. It is spread through direct contact with infectious droplets and by airborne transmission. It is at least five times more infectious than influenza.
Dr. Tran’s article includes information about the clinical presentation of measles, treatment, vaccination and infection control.
