Measles Information

In this section

Measles: An Overview

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It's known for its characteristic rash and can lead to serious complications, especially in young children.

How Measles Spreads: The measles virus lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain active in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. An infected person can spread measles to others from four days before the rash appears to four days after the rash appears.

Symptoms: Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus and often include:

  • High fever: Can reach 104°F (40°C) or higher.
  • Cough: Often a dry cough.
  • Runny nose 
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
  • Koplik spots: Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth, usually appearing 2-3 days before the rash.
  • Rash: A characteristic red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and hairline, then spreads downwards to the neck, trunk, arms, and legs. The rash typically lasts 5-6 days and then fades.

Potential Complications: While many people recover from measles without issues, it can lead to severe complications, particularly in children under 5 years old and adults over 20. These can include:

  • Ear infections
  • Diarrhea
  • Pneumonia
  • Encephalitis (swelling of the brain), which can lead to convulsions, deafness, or intellectual disability
  • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a very rare but fatal degenerative disease of the central nervous system that can develop years after measles infection.

Prevention: The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

  • First dose: Recommended for children at 12 to 15 months of age.
  • Second dose: Recommended for children at 4 to 6 years of age.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles.

Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Care is primarily supportive, focusing on managing symptoms and preventing complications. This may include:

  • Rest
  • Fluids to prevent dehydration
  • Fever-reducing medications (avoid aspirin in children due to Reye's syndrome risk)
  • Vitamin A supplementation, especially in children in developing countries, as it can reduce the severity and mortality of measles.

When to Seek Medical Attention: If you suspect you or someone you know has measles, or if you've been exposed to someone with measles and are not vaccinated, it's crucial to contact a healthcare provider immediately. Be sure to call ahead before visiting a clinic or emergency room so staff can take precautions to prevent further spread.

 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention