Diseases beginning with M
U.S.-focused summaries with current official guidance links. For a diagnosis, personal vaccine schedule, pregnancy advice, or urgent symptoms, speak with a qualified clinician.
Measles
Routine vaccineDisease
One of the most contagious viral diseases, spread through the air.
Symptoms
High fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a spreading rash.
Typical duration
Symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after infection; the rash often lasts about five to six days.
How serious is it?
Can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, pregnancy complications, hospitalization, and death.
Treatment & management
No routine measles antiviral; care is supportive, and complications need medical treatment. Suspected measles should be reported before arriving at a clinic.
Vaccine: who and when?
Products: M-M-R II and Priorix, both MMR vaccines. Children routinely receive two doses at 12-15 months and 4-6 years. Earlier or additional timing may apply for international travel, outbreaks, or people without evidence of immunity.
Meningococcal Disease
Routine/risk-based vaccineDisease
Serious infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis, most often meningitis or bloodstream infection.
Symptoms
Sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, confusion, sensitivity to light, or a dark purple rash.
Typical duration
Can worsen within hours and requires immediate care.
How serious is it?
Life-threatening even with treatment and may cause limb loss, deafness, neurologic damage, or death.
Treatment & management
Immediate hospital antibiotics; close contacts often need preventive antibiotics.
Vaccine: who and when?
MenACWY products include Menveo and MenQuadfi; MenB products include Bexsero and Trumenba; Penbraya and Penmenvy combine protection against five serogroups. Routine adolescent MenACWY is given at ages 11-12 with a booster at 16; MenB and additional doses depend on age, risk, outbreak status, product, and shared decision-making.
Mpox
Risk-based vaccineDisease
A viral disease spread mainly through close personal contact with an infected person or contaminated materials.
Symptoms
A painful or itchy rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, or respiratory symptoms.
Typical duration
Illness commonly lasts two to four weeks.
How serious is it?
Most recover, but severe disease can occur, particularly with substantial immune suppression, pregnancy, or certain skin conditions.
Treatment & management
Supportive care and pain control are common; public-health or specialist teams may use investigational or special-access antivirals for severe/high-risk illness.
Vaccine: who and when?
Product: JYNNEOS, generally given as two doses 28 days apart for people with specified exposure risk and for certain contacts after exposure. Routine vaccination is not recommended for everyone.
Mumps
Routine vaccineDisease
A contagious viral infection best known for swollen salivary glands.
Symptoms
Puffy cheeks, tender jaw, fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
Typical duration
Most recover within about two weeks.
How serious is it?
Can cause meningitis, brain inflammation, hearing loss, or inflammation of the testicles, ovaries, or pancreas.
Treatment & management
No specific antiviral; rest, fluids, and symptom care are typical.
Vaccine: who and when?
Products: M-M-R II and Priorix, both MMR vaccines. Children routinely receive two doses; adults, travelers, and people in outbreaks may need doses based on evidence of immunity and public-health guidance.
Last reviewed against official U.S. sources: September 5, 2026. This page provides general education, not medical advice.