What is measles ?

Measles is also known as rubeola . It is a highly infectious childhood disease caused by a virus.  Its incidence has reduced drastically in the United States due to it’s vaccine. If your child never received the  MMR vaccine ( measles mumps and rubella ) however,  he has a chance of catching the virus.

What causes measles ?

Measles is caused by a virus called paramyxovirus.  When an infected person gets the disease and sneezes or talks, infected droplets get into the air and susceptible people get the virus by breathing it in. You can also get by touching your nose, mouth or eyes after coming into contact with an infected surface. It usually takes eight to 10 days for a child  exposed to the virus to become ill, so he may spread the disease unknowingly. People with measles are  contagious for four days before and four days after developing the telltale rash. If you have had  an active measles infection or  have been vaccinated against the virus , you have immunity towards it.

What are the symptoms ?

You may start showing symptoms after 7 to 14 days of exposure to the virus. Symptoms include the following :

• fever
• runny nose
• dry cough
• redness and irritation of  eyes
• full body rash
• light sensitivity
• sore throat
• Koplik’s spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth

 
You develop the rash 2 to 4 days after infection. It typically starts from the forehead and then proceeds downward to the face ,neck , trunk, arms and lower limbs. They may appear as appear as flat, discolored areas .Solid, red, raised areas  later join together.

My child has measles . Are there any treatment options?

If you suspect that your child has measles, call your doctor immediately. State health departments in the United States require your doctor to report cases of measles to prevent the spread of this contagious disease.

There is however no specific treatment option for measles. You can  take these steps to make your child comfortable.

Give child plenty fluids to prevent dehydration. You can also use cool-mist vaporizer may help with her cough.

Your child should get enough rest.

Pain relievers and fever reducer such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Liquiprin Drops, and other brands) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen (Aleve). DO NOT give aspirin to children due to risk of Reye’s syndrome . Check with your doctor if your child is less than 6 months before giving any medication.

Unimmunized  people, including infants, may be given the measles vaccination within 72 hours of exposure to the measles virus. This may protect them from the disease or they may get a milder form of measles.

How do I protect my child from measles ?

The sure way to protect your child from measles it to get them vaccinated. MMR vaccine is 95 % effective protecting your child against measles mumps and rubella.

My child has measles . Are there any accompanying complications ?

Complications associated with measles include

• pneumonia
• ear infection
• low platelet count
• encephalitis
• bronchitis

 
Pregnant women with measles may have a miscarriage, low birth weight baby or premature delivery.

When should my child receive the MMR vaccine ?

The vaccine is routinely given to children between 12 and 15 months of age. A repeat injection of the vaccine is given between ages 4 and 6.
 
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