Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus, and particularly very serious for small children. The disease spreads rapidly through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing. The measles vaccine is very effective at preventing the disease, and is often delivered in combination with other vaccines. As a result of widespread vaccination, The United States was declared free of measles in 2000, but more recently new cases of measles disease have sprung up. Measles symptoms don't appear until 10 to 14 days after exposure. They include cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, sore throat, fever, and a red, blotchy skin rash. There's no treatment to get rid of an established measles infection, but over-the-counter fever reducers or vitamin A may help with symptoms.