Measles is a very contagious respiratory infection. It causes a total-body skin
rash and flu-like symptoms. Measles is rare in the United States thanks to widespread
immunization. But millions of cases happen worldwide every year.
Measles (also called rubeola) is caused by a
, so there's no specific medical treatment for it. The virus has to run
its course. A child who is sick should drink plenty of liquids, get lots of rest,
and stay home from school or daycare to prevent spreading the infection.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Measles?
The first symptoms of a measles infection are usually a hacking cough, runny nose,
high fever, and red
eyes. Kids also may have Koplik's spots (small red spots with blue-white
centers) inside the mouth before the rash starts.
The rash breaks out 3–5 days after symptoms start,
sometimes along with a high fever up to 104°F (40°C). The red or reddish-brown
rash usually begins as flat red spots on the forehead. It spreads to the rest of the
face, then down the neck and torso to the arms, legs, and feet. The fever and rash
slowly go away after a few days.
Is Measles Contagious?
Measles is very contagious. In fact, 9 out of 10 people who aren't vaccinated for
measles will get it if they are near an infected person.
How Do People Get Measles?
Measles spreads when people breathe in or have direct contact with virus-infected
fluid. It can pass through droplets sprayed into the air when someone with measles
sneezes or coughs. Someone exposed to the virus usually shows symptoms 7–14 days later.
People with measles can spread the disease from 4 days before the rash starts until
about 4 days after that. They're most contagious while they have a fever, runny nose,
and cough. Those with weakened immune systems due to other conditions (like HIV
and AIDS) can spread the measles virus until they recover.
How Is Measles Treated?
There is no specific medical treatment for measles. To help manage symptoms:
give your child plenty of fluids
encourage extra rest
give a non-aspirin fever medicine, such as acetaminophen
or ibuprofen if
a fever makes your child uncomfortable. Never give aspirin
to a child who has a viral illness, as such use is linked to Reye
syndrome.
Kids with measles should be closely watched by a doctor. In some cases, measles
can lead to other problems, such as:
encephalitis
(irritation and swelling of the brain)
Children with measles should be kept away from others for 4 days after their rash
appears. For those with a weakened immune system, this should continue until they
make a full recovery and all symptoms are gone.
How Long Does Measles Last?
A measles infection can last for several weeks. Symptoms usually start 7–14 days
after someone is exposed to the virus.
Can Measles Be Prevented?
The best way to protect your kids is to make sure they're immunized
against measles.
For most kids, measles protection is part of the measles-mumps-rubella
vaccine (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella
vaccine (MMRV) given when they're 12 to 15 months old and again when they're 4 to
6 years old.
It's important for all kids who can get the vaccine to get it on schedule. At-risk
people (such as those with weakened immune systems) can't get the vaccine and depend
on "herd immunity." This is when a lot of people are immunized against a
disease, which prevents it from spreading and helps prevent outbreaks.
As with all immunization schedules, there are important exceptions and special
circumstances. For example, a child who will be traveling outside the United States
can get the vaccine as early as 6 months of age. Talk to your child's doctor to see
when the vaccine is needed.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Call the doctor right away if you think that your child has measles. Also call
if your child was around someone who has measles, especially if your child:
is an infant
is taking medicines that suppress the immune system
has tuberculosis, cancer, or a disease that affects the immune system
Why Is Vaccination Important?
Before measles vaccination was available, every year in the U.S.:
more than 500,000 cases were reported
about 500 people died
around 4,000 people developed encephalitis
Widespread immunization has made measles rare in the U.S. But outbreaks do still
happen. An outbreak is when a disease happens in greater numbers than one would expect
in a certain area. Measles outbreaks have been increasing worldwide, mostly due to
people not being vaccinated.
At highest risk during a measles outbreak are:
infants who aren't old enough to get the vaccine
pregnant women
people with poor nutrition or weakened immune systems
Doctors can give an injection of measles antibodies (called immune globulin)
to at-risk people who are exposed to measles. It's most effective when given within
6 days of contact. These antibodies can either prevent measles or make symptoms less
severe.
The measles vaccine may help protect women who are not pregnant and people not
in an at-risk group if they get it within 72 hours of measles exposure.
