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Measles, Mumps, and Rubella

What is Measles?

Measles is a disease caused by measles virus. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and rash.

20% of unvaccinated people who get measles need to be hospitalized. Measles can also cause pneumonia and encephalitis.

Two doses of the vaccine prevents 97% of measles infections, and the 3% of people who can still get infected have milder symptoms.

From 2000 to 2015, measles vaccination saved more than 20 million lives worldwide.

What is Mumps?

Mumps is a disease caused by mumps virus.

Common symptoms include swollen cheeks and jaw, fever, loss of appetite, and muscle aches. 

Two doses of the vaccine prevent approximately 88% of mumps infections. Infections in vaccinated people usually have much milder symptoms.

What is Rubella?

Rubella is a disease caused by rubella virus. 

Common symptoms include a rash, fever, headache, cough, and pink eye.

Getting rubella during pregnancy can cause miscarriages and birth defects.

2 doses of the vaccine provide almost 100% immunity against rubella infections.

What's the difference between them?

All of these vaccines provide protection against measles, mumps, and rubella, but MMRV also protects against varicella (chickenpox).

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Relevant Terms

  • Encephalitis: brain swelling

  • Pneumonia: an infection in the lungs that causes air sacs to fill with fluid

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