MEASLES

(Red Measles; Rubeola)

 Basic information

description

Measles is a viral illness that infects the respiratory tract (lungs, throat, and nasal passages) and skin. It is one of the most easily spread diseases. It can occur in all ages, but usually affects children. Measles was once very common, but it is now rare in the United States due to immunization. It is still common in certain other countries in the world. Cases that occur in the United States are often in people who have become infected in other countries.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Measles symptoms usually occur in the following sequence:
  • Fever, often high.
  • Fatigue.
  • Appetite loss.
  • Sneezing and runny nose.
  • Harsh, hacking cough.
  • Red eyes and sensitivity to light.
  • Tiny white spots in the mouth and throat.
  • Rash on the forehead and around ears that spreads to the body.

causes

Measles is caused by a virus. Germs are spread by contact with an infected person, breathing in germs in the air, or touching an object with germs on it. Symptoms first appear 7 to 14 days (may be longer in adults) after exposure. An infected person can spread the germs to others 4 to 5 days prior to the start of the rash and 4 to 5 days after it starts.

risk increases with

• People who are not immunized.
• Areas of the world that don't offer immunizations.
• Reduced protective affect of the vaccine over time. A teenager or young adult could become infected with measles if exposed.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Immunize children against measles. Prevention is important because measles can have rare, but serious, complications.
• Careful hand washing helps prevent spread of any type of germs.

expected outcomes

Symptoms usually clear up after about 3 days.

possible complications

• Ear and chest infections.
• Pneumonia.
• Encephalitis or meningitis.
• Complications can be life-threatening.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and vaccine history. Measles is usually diagnosed by the symptoms. A blood test may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
• There is no specific treatment for measles. Home care involves rest, relief of symptoms, and keeping the patient away from other persons that are not immune to measles.
• The eyes are more sensitive to light. Avoid reading books or watching TV for a few days.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier (if advised) to ease the cough and thin lung secretions so they can be coughed up more easily. Clean the humidifier daily.
• Children who are old enough can suck on throat lozenges, cough drops, or hard candy to help ease throat discomfort.
• If fever is 101ºF (38.3ºC) or higher, take steps to lower it, if the child is uncomfortable, unable to sleep, or vomiting. Use drug therapy as advised by your child's health care provider. A lukewarm bath or sponge bath may help cool a febrile child.

medications

• Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort and reduce fever. Don't give aspirin if under age 18.
• An antihistamine or calamine lotion may help relieve the itchy rash. Follow instructions on label and be sure the product is approved for the age group.

activity

Rest may help until the fever and rash get better. Children should not return to school or daycare until 4 to 5 days after the fever and rash disappear.

diet

No special diet. Drink extra fluids, including water, tea, lemonade, and fruit juice.

 notify our office if

• You or your child has symptoms of measles.
• Breathing difficulty, wheezing, chest or stomach pain, earache, or vision problems occur.

Special Notes: