Measles (also called rubeola) is a single-stranded RNA virus of the genus Morbilivirus in the Paramyxoviridae family [1]. Humans and apes are the only natural host, and the disease can be contracted congenitally or acquired. The virus is highly contagious via aerosolized droplets and can cause the development of a generalized rash lasting greater than 3 days, fever greater than 101, cough, coryza, severe diarrhea, encephalitis, and pneumonia. Measles can be a fatal illness in young children. Due to the high vaccination rates in the United States, measles has not been widespread for over a decade, but it remains a significant cause of mortality worldwide among children younger than 5 years old responsible for more than 100,000 deaths annually [2]. Even in the US, 5–8 % of the population remains unvaccinated [3] due to religious convictions, parental apathy, misinformation, and contraindications.

The number of measles cases has declined in United States as a result of a highly effective vaccine available since 1963 and a nationwide vaccination program implemented in 1965 [4]. Due to the low incidence of measles in adults, congenital measles rates have similarly plummeted since the advent of the vaccine.