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.