A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

MEASLES

What is Measles ?

This is an illness caused by a virus. It affects mainly pre-school children. The virus passes very readily from person to person by infected mucus from the mouth and nose during sneezing and coughing. About 10 14 days after being infected, the child may have a high temperature, runny nose, red eyes and cough. A blotchy red spotty rash then appears within a week, first on the face, then spreading down the body to the trunk and limbs. The rash lasts for 2 to 5 days. As the rash fades, a brownish discoloration of the skin occurs. Most people get better within 7 to 10 days. Cough may be the last symptom to disappear. The disease is usually more severe in adults than children. Measles may also be severe in poorly fed children in tropical countries. One attack of measles gives the patient lifelong protection against the disease. Measles may be severe in patients with poor body defences against infection. These include patients with AIDS and those with cancer. Laboratory tests are not usually needed to diagnose the illness.

How does Measles occur ?

The virus enters the body through the nose and mouth, multiplying in the lining of the breathing passages. It then spreads through the blood to various parts of the body, including the skin where it causes the rash.

Why does Measles occur ?

People who have not had the disease previously or have not been vaccinated against it are likely to become ill if they come into contact with the virus.

Treatment Involved for Measles

The child should ideally rest in bed for a few days with plenty to drink. Paracetamol is worth taking to bring the temperature down. There is no specific drug against measles. Rarely, severe measles will require hospital admission, because of the occasional complication mentioned below. The child is usually infectious for up to 2 weeks after the rash appears: he or she should stay at home during that period to reduce the risk of passing on the infection. However, it is likely that the child will already have passed on the virus to others during the few days before the symptoms appeared. Measles vaccine gives protection against the disease and is safe. The measles vaccine is given together with the mumps and rubella vaccines (MMR) between the ages of 1 and 2. A booster dose is given just before starting school.

During Treatment for Measles

The child usually gets better within 10 days of the start of the illness unless a complication occurs.

After Treatment for Measles

Complications from measles are rare but can occur. The commonest is an infection of the ear, resulting in pain in the ear. If a cough is persistent, then an x-ray of the chest may be done to rule out pneumonia. If the doctor feels that pneumonia is present, a course of antibiotics will probably be given. Very rarely, an infection in the brain (encephalitis) may occur. It is important to remember that anybody with measles is infectious for 2 weeks after the appearance of the rash.

If Measles is Left Untreated

There is no specific treatment for measles. However, it is important to keep the temperature down, otherwise there is a risk of a fit in young children.

Effects on Family of Measles

Measles is infectious and other members of the family may catch the disease. It is best to keep the child away from other children.