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What causes Measles?
- A viral infection that enters through the eyes, nose, or mouth.
- It is preventable with vaccination.
- Symptoms of measles don’t usually start until 8 to 12 days after your child has been exposed and infected.
- Your child is usually contagious for 1 to 2 days before you see symptoms.
- Over the next 3 to 5 days, you will start to see symptoms and then a rash will appear.
- Once the rash appears, your child is still contagious for an additional 4 days.
- So, your child may be contagious for up to 11 days (in some cases longer).
- With vaccination rates declining, outbreaks are a growing public health concern.
- For the most updated information please refer to the following website:
What are the symptoms of Measles?
- The first symptoms are usually “cold-like” symptoms with cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and fever.
- They usually get worse over the next 1 to 2 days.
- Your child might eat less and have lower energy levels than normal.
- They might complain that lights bother their eyes.
- You might see white dots on the inside of your child’s cheeks. These are called Koplik spots.
- Then a rash develops.
- It usually starts as as small pink dots that become bigger red areas.
- It starts on the face and neck, spreads to chest, stomach, and back and then to the arms and legs.
- It usually takes about 5 to 8 days for the rash to go away.
- More common, but still rare complications include: ear infection, croup, and pneumonia.
- Less common, but more worrisome complications include encephalitis (an infection/inflammation of the brain) and dehydration.Fig. 02: Infographic describing the symptoms of measles.
How can I protect my child from getting measles?
- Vaccinate, Vaccinate, Vaccinate!
- Measles can be prevented by keeping your child up to date with their vaccines.
- One dose of the vaccine is 93% effective against measles.
- Two doses of the vaccine is 97% effective against measles.
- The vaccine is given as a combination with mumps and rubella – this is called MMR. Sometimes it is also combined with the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine – this is called MMRV.
- The first dose is usually given at your child’s 1-year old well child check. It needs to be given after your child turns one.
- If your child will be travelling internationally, they can receive the MMR vaccine as young as 6 months old. They will still need to get another dose after they turn one.
- The second dose is usually given between 4-6years old.
- It can be given as early as 28 days (4 weeks) after the first dose – especially if your child was delayed in receiving the first dose.
- Measles can be prevented by keeping your child up to date with their vaccines.
- Keep your child away from any sick contact.
- Be sure to clean any high touch surfaces regularly.
- Make sure your child washes their hands often.
- Avoid sharing any food or drink.
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How is measles treated?
- Discomfort and fever can be treated with Tylenol and ibuprofen (6 months and up)
- Encourage fluids.
- Allow your child to rest as needed.
- Be sure to keep your child’s skin moisturized.
- For care for your child’s cold symptoms refer to this article.
- Keep your child away from others until they are no longer contagious.
- If your child is diagnosed with a bacterial ear infection, pneumonia, or croup, make sure to give all medications as prescribed by your child’s provider. Discomfort and fever can be treated with Tylenol and ibuprofen (6 months and up)
- Encourage fluids.
- Allow your child to rest as needed.
- Be sure to keep your child’s skin moisturized.
- For care for your child’s cold symptoms refer to this article.
- Keep your child away from others until they are no longer contagious.
- If your child is diagnosed with a bacterial ear infection, pneumonia, or croup, make sure to give all medications as prescribed by your child’s provider.
When to contact your child’s provider:
- You think your child needs to be seen.
- Your child is having trouble breathing.
- Your child has had a fever for five days.
- Your child is not able to stay hydrated.
- Your child has been given medication and is getting worse.
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines, Healthychildren.org and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 11/2023