Measles Incubation Period

When a person becomes infected with the measles virus, symptoms do not appear immediately. This period of time, when the virus is multiplying inside of the body and symptoms have not yet developed, is known as the measles incubation period. A person is not contagious during this incubation period.

 

An Overview of the Measles Incubation Period

When a person becomes infected with the measles virus, the virus begins to multiply within the cells that line the lungs and the back of the throat. The measles virus can also spread to the:
 
  • Lymph glands
  • Bone marrow
  • Liver
  • Eyes
  • Thymus
  • Tonsils
  • Spleen
  • Skin
  • Brain.
     
After 8 to 12 days, on average, symptoms of measles can begin. The period between the measles transmission and the start of measles symptoms is called the measles incubation period.
 

Is a Person Contagious During the Measles Incubation Period?

A person is not contagious during the measles incubation period. A person is mildly contagious when he or she first experiences measles symptoms. A person is most contagious about 4 days before the onset of the measles rash. Some risk of measles transmission lasts until about 4 days after the rash starts.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD