Health Topics for Child Health and Development

UI Children's Hospital

UI Family Care Centers

Divisions Within the Department of Pediatrics

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

Measles

Measles is a viral infection that causes a rash, a high fever, and a cough. Many children who catch measles will have a complication such as an ear infection, diarrhea, or pneumonia. A sore throat may also occur. Other more serious complications include inflammation of the brain, convulsions, and death. This highly contagious disease spreads when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others through droplets and can be transmitted from 4 days before the onset of the rash to 4 days after. Although immunization is recommended nationwide, thousands of children get measles each year in the United States because they have not been vaccinated.

Symptoms occur 10 to 12 days after exposure. The infected person will first get a fever that can peak as high as 103 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 to 40.6 degrees Centigrade) lasting 2 to 4 days. The fever is followed by cold-like symptoms including a dry cough, runny nose, red and swollen eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, and white spots on the inner side of the cheek (Koplik's Spots).

A red rash usually develops about 14 days after the beginning of the illness. Typically, it begins on the face and neck, then spreads down the trunk and out to the arms and legs. The rash lasts 5 to 6 days. As it fades, it may peel off in small flakes. Call your healthcare provider if the person becomes listless or has continued high fever. Seek emergency medical treatment if seizures develop. Treatment is focused on relieving the discomfort.

Self-care includes the following:

• ease the cold-like symptoms by adding moisture to the air with a vaporizer (Nose drops, cough medicine, and cool sponge baths may be used to decrease congestion, cough, and temperature.)
• avoid anyone not immune to the illness, especially pregnant women
• drink plenty of fluids
• give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to control fever
• relieve itching by applying calamine lotion, corn starch solution, oatmeal, baking soda, or cool water and
• dim bright lights if the person's eyes are sensitive

Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants). Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

Immunity against measles comes with having had the disease or with vaccination to prevent it. Children should receive the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) series of 2 shots with 1 given between 12 and 15 months, and 1 between 4 and 6 years. Children or adults who have not had measles or been vaccinated should contact their healthcare provider.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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