Overview

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection. It causes fever, cough, and a characteristic rash. Once a common childhood illness, it is now seen far less due to the widespread use of the measles vaccine, which provides lifelong immunity when given as a series of two shots.

However, vaccination isn’t 100% effective, and there are still individuals who are not vaccinated due to religious and other exemptions.

Title
Measles

Types
Symptoms

Symptoms, which usually occur 8-12 days following exposure to the measles virus, include:

  • Fever (often high)
  • Runny nose
  • Red eyes
  • Hacking cough
  • Sore throat
  • Exhaustion
  • Very small spots inside the mouth (2-4 days after initial symptoms)
  • Raised, itchy rash:
    • Starts around the ears, face, and side of neck 3-5 days after initial symptoms appear
    • Generally spreads to the arms, trunk, and legs over the next two days

Lasts about 4-6 days

Causes

Measles is caused by the measles virus, a paramyxovirus. It is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people. Less frequently, it can spread by airborne transmission. Measles is communicable from 1-2 days before onset of symptoms, 3-5 days before the rash, and four days after the appearance of the rash.

Diagnosis

Measles diagnosis is based symptoms and medical history, and a physical exam. Diagnosis of measles is almost always made from the symptoms and the tell-tale rash. Lab tests are rarely necessary but may be used to confirm the diagnosis in certain situations.

Treatment

Because measles is caused by a virus, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Effort is focused on relieving the symptoms.

Comfort Measures

  • Gargle with warm salt water to relieve sore throat. Cool, moist humidification can also help a sore throat and cough.
  • Treat high fever with non-aspirin pain medication, such as acetaminophen, and cold sponge baths.
    • Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving a child aspirin.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Drink plenty of liquids.

Eat a soft, bland diet.

Prevention

Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles. The vaccine contains live viruses that can no longer cause disease.

  • Measles vaccine is usually given as part of a combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination.
  • In some cases, measles vaccine given within three days after exposure to the measles virus can prevent or alleviate the symptoms.
  • Immune globulin is often given to nonvaccinated people within six days of exposure to the measles. This is especially appropriate for infants, pregnant, or immunocompromised people who live in a house with a measles-contagious person.

Any unvaccinated person who has not contracted measles should avoid contact with an infected person until all symptoms are gone.

Complications

In otherwise healthy, well-nourished individuals, complications from measles are rare. In severe cases or in the event of complications such as encephalitis (brain infection) or bacterial pneumonia, more aggressive treatment may be conducted after admission to a hospital.

Risks

It is very unlikely to contract measles if properly immunized as a child with a series of two shots. However, unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated individuals are at increased risk of measles under the following circumstances:

  • Living in crowded and/or unsanitary conditions
  • Traveling to less developed countries where measles is common
  • Season: winter and spring
  • Immunosuppressed state (eg, untreated HIV), even if previously vaccinated
Recovery

Full recovery, without scarring, generally takes 7-10 days from the onset of the rash.

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