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Measles

Measles

Alternative Names

Rubeola

What is Measles

Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus. It is common and it can be prevented with a vaccine. Measles also called rubeola and can be serious and even fatal for small children. In spite of the fact that while death rates have been falling worldwide as more children receive the measles vaccine, this disease still kills several hundred thousand people a year, most under the age of 5.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms usually begin 8 - 12 days after you are exposed to the virus. This is called the incubation period.

The most common symptoms may include:

Bloodshot eyes
Cough
Fever
Light sensitivity (photophobia)
Muscle pain
Rash
Itchy
Redness and irritation of the eyes (conjunctivitis)
Runny nose
Sore throat
Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik's spots)

Measles usually appears 3 - 5 days after the first signs of being sick and can last 4 - 7 days. It usually starts on the head and spreads to other areas, moving down the body

Rash may appear as flat, discolored areas (macules) and solid, red, raised areas (papules) that later join together.

Possible complications

Here are some common complications of measles:

Ear infection. One of the most common complications of measles is a bacterial ear infection.
Bronchitis, laryngitis or croup. Measles may lead to inflammation of your voice box (larynx) or inflammation of the inner walls that line the main air passageways of your lungs (bronchial tubes).
Pneumonia. Pneumonia is a common complication of measles. People with compromised immune systems can develop an especially dangerous variety of pneumonia that is sometimes fatal.
Encephalitis. About 1 in 1,000 people with measles develops encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that may cause vomiting, convulsions and, rarely, coma or even death. Encephalitis can closely follow measles, or it can occur months later.
Pregnancy problems. Pregnant women need to take special care to avoid measles, because the disease can cause pregnancy loss, preterm labor or low birth weight.

What causes

Measles is an infection caused by a virus. It passes from an infected person through coughs, sneezes, or shared food or drinks. The measles virus can travel through the air. This means that you can get measles if you are near someone who has the virus even if that person doesn't cough or sneeze directly on you.

You can spread the virus to others from 4 days before the rash starts until 4 days after the rash appeared. The virus is most often spread when people first get sick—before they know they have it.

Prevention

You can prevent yourself from measles by receiving measles immunization: This is commonly given as a shot containing measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) or a shot containing measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine (MMRV). The MMRV is not recommended for anyone older than 12 years of age. The current recommendation is that everyone receives two doses of the vaccine after 1 year of age. If the vaccine is received before 1 year of age, the person should receive two additional doses.

The measles vaccine is also available as a single vaccine; however, in most cases, there is no reason to utilize the measles vaccine alone without mumps and rubella vaccine. The complete schedule of recommended vaccinations is available from the CDC.

Treatment

Measles usually gets better on its own. Most people can treat their symptoms at home. Home treatment includes taking medicines to lower your fever. Get enough rest, and drink lots of fluids.