Measles

Measles – which is also known as rubeola, 10-day measles or red measles – is a very contagious viral illness that results in a distinct rash. It is spread from one child to another through direct contact with discharge from the nose and throat, or via airborne droplets from an infected child. Measles is a highly contagious disease that usually consists of a rash, fever and cough.

The measles virus, which causes the disease, is classified as a Morbillivirus. It is mostly seen in the winter and spring, but measles is preventable with proper vaccination.

The measles vaccine is usually given in combination with the mumps and rubella vaccine. It is called the MMR and is usually given when your child is 12 to 15 months old and then again between 4 and 6 years of age.

After exposure to the disease, it can take between 8 to 12 days for a child to develop symptoms of measles. Children are contagious 1 to 2 days before the onset of symptoms and 3 to 5 days after the rash develops. This means that children can be contagious before they even know they have measles.

During the early stages of measles (which lasts between 1 to 4 days), symptoms usually resemble those of an upper respiratory infection. However, each child may experience symptoms differently.

Common measles symptoms may include:

• Hacking cough
• Redness and irritation of the eyes
• Fever
• Small red spots with white centers on the inside of the cheek (these usually occur two days before the rash on the skin appears)
• A deep, red, flat rash that starts on the face and spreads down to the trunk, arms and legs. The rash starts as small distinct lesions, which then combines to form one big rash. After 3 to 4 days, the rash will begin to clear, leaving a brownish discoloration and skin peeling.

The most serious complications from measles include the following:

• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Croup
• Inflammation of the brain

The symptoms of measles may resemble other skin conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's pediatrician for a diagnosis.

Measles is usually diagnosed based on a complete medical history and physical examination of your child. The lesions of measles are unique, and usually allow for a diagnosis based simply on physical examination. In addition, a physician may order blood or urine tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Specific treatment for measles will be determined based on:

• Your child's age, overall health and medical history
• Extent of the disease
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the disease
• Parent or guardian’s opinion or preference

Because measles is caused by a virus, there is no cure. The goal of treatment is to help prevent the disease, or decrease the severity of the symptoms, through the following methods:

• Increased fluid intake
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever (do not give aspirin)

Do not give aspirin to a child without first contacting your child's physician. Aspirin has been associated with Reye syndrome, a potentially serious or deadly disorder in children. Pediatricians and other healthcare providers recommend that aspirin (or any medication that contains aspirin) not be used to treat any viral illnesses in children.

Measles is 97 percent preventable by vaccine. If your child was exposed and has not been vaccinated, a physician can give the vaccine to your child within 72 hours to help prevent the disease.

Other ways to prevent the spread of measles include:

• Children should not attend school or daycare for 4 days after the rash appears
• Confirm that your child's contacts have been properly vaccinated