How is measles treated
Measles (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth
What Is Measles?
Measles is a very contagious respiratory infection. It causes a total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms. Measles is rare in the United States thanks to widespread immunization. But millions of cases happen worldwide every year.
Measles (also called rubeola) is caused by a
virus, so there's no specific medical treatment for it. The virus has to run its course. A child who is sick should drink plenty of liquids, get lots of rest, and stay home from school or daycare to prevent spreading the infection.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Measles?
The first symptoms of a measles infection are usually a hacking cough, runny nose, high fever, and red eyes. Kids also may have Koplik's spots (small red spots with blue-white centers) inside the mouth before the rash starts.
The rash breaks out 3–5 days after symptoms start, sometimes along with a high fever up to 104°F (40°C). The red or reddish-brown rash usually begins as flat red spots on the forehead. It spreads to the rest of the face, then down the neck and torso to the arms, legs, and feet. The fever and rash slowly go away after a few days.
Is Measles Contagious?
Measles is very contagious. In fact, 9 out of 10 people who aren't vaccinated for measles will get it if they are near an infected person.
How Do People Get Measles?
Measles spreads when people breathe in or have direct contact with virus-infected fluid. It can pass through droplets sprayed into the air when someone with measles sneezes or coughs. Someone exposed to the virus usually shows symptoms 7–14 days later.
People with measles can spread the disease from 4 days before the rash starts until about 4 days after that. They're most contagious while they have a fever, runny nose, and cough. Those with weak immune systems due to other conditions (like HIV and AIDS) can spread the measles virus until they recover.
How Is Measles Treated?
There is no specific medical treatment for measles. To help manage symptoms:
- give your child plenty of fluids
- encourage extra rest
- give a non-aspirin fever medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if a fever makes your child uncomfortable. Never give aspirin to a child who has a viral illness, as such use is linked to Reye syndrome.
Kids with measles should be closely watched by a doctor. In some cases, measles can lead to other problems, such as:
- ear infections
- croup
- diarrhea
- pneumonia
- encephalitis (irritation and swelling of the brain)
Children with measles should be kept away from others for 4 days after their rash appears. For those with a weak immune system, this should continue until they make a full recovery and all symptoms are gone.
How Long Does Measles Last?
A measles infection can last for several weeks.
Symptoms usually start 7–14 days after someone is exposed to the virus.
Can Measles Be Prevented?
The best way to protect your kids is to make sure they're immunized against measles.
For most kids, measles protection is part of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine (MMRV) given when they're 12 to 15 months old and again when they're 4 to 6 years old.
The vaccine can be given to babies as young as 6 months old if they will be traveling internationally. Talk to your doctor to see when the vaccine is needed.
Why Is Vaccination Important?
Widespread immunization has made measles rare in the U.S. But outbreaks do still happen. An outbreak is when a disease happens in greater numbers than expected in a particular area. Measles outbreaks have been increasing worldwide, mostly due to people not being vaccinated.
It's important for all kids who can get the vaccine to get it on time. At-risk people (such as those with weak immune systems) can't get the vaccine.
But when a lot of other people are immunized against a disease, it protects them, prevents the disease from spreading, and helps prevent outbreaks.
At highest risk during a measles outbreak are:
- infants who aren't old enough to get the vaccine
- pregnant women
- people with poor nutrition or weak immune systems
Doctors can give an injection of measles antibodies (called immune globulin) to at-risk people who are exposed to measles. It's most effective when given within 6 days of contact. These antibodies can either prevent measles or make symptoms less severe.
The measles vaccine also can help protect unvaccinated people from getting sick after exposure to measles if they get it within 3 days.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Call the doctor right away if you think that your child has measles. Also call if your child was around someone who has measles, especially if your child:
- is an infant
- is taking medicines that suppress the immune system
- has tuberculosis, cancer, or a disease that affects the immune system
Reviewed by: Michelle P.
Tellado, MD
Date reviewed: September 2019
Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Overview
Measles covering the abdomenWhat is measles?
Measles is an airborne disease caused by a virus, and it’s very contagious. Symptoms may develop about eight to 12 days after you’re exposed. Symptoms can last 10 to 14 days.
Measles is also called rubeola, 10-day measles or red measles. It’s not the same as German measles, or rubella.
What is the difference between measles and German measles?
Measles (rubeola) and German measles (rubella) are similar in some ways. . They have some symptoms in common, such as fever, sore throat and rash. However, the virus that causes measles is different than the virus that causes German measles.
German measles is very serious for those who are pregnant. This condition can cause the person to miscarry or can cause birth defects in the baby. Both viral diseases can be prevented by getting one vaccine.
Who does measles affect?
Anyone who isn’t vaccinated can get measles. Before the measles vaccine was available, almost everyone got measles. If you have had measles or were vaccinated against measles, you’re more likely to be immune to the measles virus. (You can still get atypical or modified measles after the vaccine.)
Due to a successful vaccination program, measles in the U.S. was virtually eliminated by 2000. Now, however, there’ve been outbreaks due to a significant number of parents who decide against vaccinating their children. Unvaccinated international travelers have always posed a risk, but the risk is lessened by making sure you get vaccinated.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of measles?
The most common symptoms of measles include:
- A high fever.
- Tiredness.
- A barky cough.
- Red or bloodshot eyes.
- A runny nose.
- A red rash, which starts at the head and then spreads downward.
Other symptoms of measles may include:
- A sore throat.
- White spots in the mouth.
- Muscle pain.
- Sensitivity to light (light makes your eyes hurt).
What does the measles rash look like?
The rash starts out as flat red spots on the face and then moves downward over the body. Then smaller raised white spots may appear on top of the red rash. The spots might join together as the rash goes down the body.
What causes measles?
Measles is caused by an extremely contagious virus called morbillivirus. In fact, if 10 people who weren’t vaccinated were in a room with someone with measles, nine of those people would get measles. Measles is spread by:
- Contaminated droplets that are spread through the air when you cough, sneeze or talk.
- Kissing someone who has measles.
- Sharing drinks or food with someone with measles.
- Shaking hands or holding hands or hugging someone with measles.
- From pregnant people to their babies — either during the pregnancy, delivery or while nursing.
The airborne respiratory droplets can remain in the room even after the person with measles is gone.
It can take six to 21 days to develop symptoms of measles after you’ve been infected. This is the incubation period. You’re contagious about four days before you develop a rash to about four days after the rash starts.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is measles diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will probably be able to diagnose measles by examining you. However, they may order laboratory tests to find the virus in samples of:
- Blood.
- Secretions from your nose and throat.
- Urine (pee).
Management and Treatment
How is measles treated?
There’s no cure for measles. The virus must run its course, which usually takes about 10 to 14 days.
You can do some things that might make you feel better, such as:
- Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches, pains or fever.
- Getting plenty of rest.
- Drinking enough fluids.
- Gargling with salt water.
- Avoiding harsh light if your eyes hurt.
Note: Never give aspirin to children or teenagers unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
What are the complications of measles?
There are many complications associated with measles, some of them very serious. Complications happen most often in:
- Children ages 5 years old or younger.
- Pregnant people.
- Adults ages 20 or older.
- People with weakened immune systems.
Complications of measles include:
- Diarrhea.
- Ear infections.
- Pneumonia.
- Encephalitis. This condition can cause inflammation of the brain, leading to seizures, hearing loss or learning disabilities.
- Death. Before the vaccine was widely used in the U.S., about 400 to 500 people died each year from measles.
Prevention
When should people be vaccinated for measles?
There are two types of vaccines that protect against measles: the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and the measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) vaccine.
MMR vaccine
For children, the MMR vaccine is often given in two shots. The first shot is given around the age of 12 to 15 months, and the second around 4 or 5 years of age. If a child hasn’t been immunized, measles can still be prevented by receiving the vaccine within three days of exposure to the virus.
If you’re an adult and you’re unsure about whether you’ve been vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider about getting the vaccine. It’s especially important if you are planning to travel internationally.
MMRV vaccine
This vaccine is only available for children ages 12 months to 12 years of age. Your child should get one shot between 12 and 15 months. Your child should get the second shot between 4 and 6 years. However, the second shot can be given three months after the first shot. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about the best timing for your child.
Who shouldn’t get a measles vaccine?
Pregnant people shouldn’t get a measles vaccine. There may be other reasons why you shouldn’t get one, such as an immune system disease or an allergic reaction to a previous vaccine. There may be reasons why you should wait to get one. It’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider and to answer all the questions they ask about your medical history.
What precautions can I take if I may be exposed to measles?
The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. People who work in a healthcare facility should wear personal protective equipment that includes masks, gowns and clothes when they are in contact with body fluids. You should wash your hands before and after putting on gloves.
People who work with children or who are in other industries are encouraged to avoid physical contact with sick people and to practice good hand washing technique. Follow the guidelines of your employer.
Outlook / Prognosis
What is the outlook for someone who has measles?
The outcome is excellent for most cases of measles. Once the disease passes, you’ll most likely be protected against getting measles again. In cases where there are severe complications, the outlook for long-term problems are less certain and vary on a case-by-case basis.
When can I go back to work or school if I’ve had measles?
You should wait at least four days after you get the rash to go back to work or school.
Living With
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
Contact your healthcare provider if you think you or your child have come into contact with someone with measles. If you or your child has measles, and seem to be getting worse and not better, call your provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did measles come from?
It’s believed that the rinderpest virus in cattle jumped to humans in the time around 600 B.
C. This virus became the measles virus.
What should pregnant people do if they’re exposed to measles?
If you’re pregnant and you think you’ve been exposed to measles, you should contact your healthcare provider.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you’re exposed to measles, you should contact your healthcare provider. While most cases of measles may be uncomfortable, you can treat the symptoms. However, other cases of measles can result in serious complications, including death. Measles can be avoided by getting the safe vaccines available for adults and children.
Measles - signs, symptoms, treatment of measles in children - Murmansk City Children's Clinic No. 1
By smaweb Healthy child
Measles is an acute infectious disease, the distinguishing features of which are a typical rash, as well as damage to the conjunctiva of the eyes and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.
Nature, development and spread of infection
Measles is a viral infection spread by airborne droplets. The measles virus enters the body through the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, from where it spreads through the blood throughout the body. The virus selectively damages the cells of the skin, mucous membranes of the eyes, respiratory tract and oral cavity, which causes typical manifestations of the disease.
The source of measles infection is only a sick person capable of shedding the virus into the external environment from the last two days of the incubation period to the fourth day after the onset of the rash. People who have not received prophylactic measles vaccination and have not had measles throughout their lives remain susceptible to infection, so the disease can develop at any age.
Before the introduction of measles vaccine, 95% of cases were in children under 16 years of age. After the widespread vaccination of children, a significant decrease in the incidence of measles was noted, but individual cases and limited outbreaks were noted constantly, and now there is a tendency for them to increase.
Complete protection against measles requires immunization 94-97% of children under 15 months of age. However, this level of vaccination is practically unfeasible even for developed countries.
Measles outbreaks can also occur among vaccinated individuals (67-70% of all outbreaks). As a rule, they are typical for older age groups (children of school age, teenagers, military personnel, students, etc.). The nature of such cases of the disease is associated with a drop in the intensity of immunity after a long period (10-15 years) after vaccination.
Signs and course of the disease
The duration of the latent period of infection is 9-11 days. The introduction of immunoglobulin for prophylactic purposes can contribute to its lengthening up to 15-21 days (sometimes more). From the second half of the latent period, the initial symptoms of the disease may be noted (weight loss in a child under one year old, evening subfebrile condition, slight cough and runny nose, swelling of the lower eyelid, redness of the conjunctiva).
The initial non-specific period begins with an increase in body temperature to 38-39°C, weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite are noted. Cough acquires a rough "barking" character, runny nose and redness of the conjunctiva intensify. During this period, the doctor can identify a specific sign of measles - small whitish spots on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, soft and hard palate, similar to semolina or bran (Filatov-Koplik spots).
On the 3rd-4th day, the fever decreases somewhat, but from the moment the rash appears, it increases again. The same applies to signs of damage to the respiratory system. The period of the rash is characterized by a strict staging. First, the elements appear on the face and neck, on the 2nd day - on the trunk, thighs, arms, on the 3rd day, the elements of the rash appear on the feet and legs, and on the face they already turn pale. As a rule, the maximum number of elements of the rash is localized on the face, upper chest and neck.
The rash is represented by irregularly shaped patches, slightly elevated in the center above the surface of the skin.
The spot diameter usually does not exceed 10 mm, the spots show a tendency to merge. The fading of the rashes begins on the 3-4th day after their appearance, they leave behind a brownish pigmentation, later peeling occurs on the face and trunk in these places.
A typical sign of measles is conjunctivitis, which in most cases is purulent. Often there is gluing of eyelashes in the morning (when waking up) with purulent discharge. The layering of a purulent infection can cause the development of pneumonia. A severe complication is damage to the central nervous system, which is quite rare.
symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention
Pediatrician of the highest category
Morozova
Ekaterina Vyacheslavovna
Experience 18 years
Candidate of Medical Sciences. Member of the Union of Pediatricians of Russia. Annually takes part in international congresses of pediatricians. She was awarded a certificate of gratitude and an honorary diploma from the Moscow Department of Health for conscientious and many years of work in the metropolitan healthcare system.
Make an appointment
Measles is a highly contagious viral infectious disease, after which a person develops strong immunity. The infection is most common in children aged 2-5 years. Measles is rare in adults. Most often it occurs in people who have not received vaccinations.
The causative agent of the disease is a specific measles virus. Re-infection with them does not occur due to the development of persistent immunity. In this regard, a person may encounter the symptoms and treatment of measles only once. Most often, the disease resolves within 1-2 weeks without any immunological disorders.
Symptoms and signs of measles
The measles virus develops in the human body in several stages. First comes the incubation period, which on average lasts about 7-14 days, in rare cases - 21 days. During this period, the symptoms of measles do not yet occur. They appear already at the next stage - catarrhal. At this stage, measles in adults causes the following clinical signs:
- general weakness and body aches;
- coryza with profuse discharge;
- temperature 38-40°C;
- severe headache;
- agonizing dry cough;
- sore throat when swallowing;
- inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
- sore throat when swallowing.
The catarrhal stage takes an average of 5 days. After it, the symptoms of measles begin to decrease somewhat, and the patient feels relieved. But after about a day, the symptoms increase again and the state of health worsens. The next stage is coming - the period of rashes. They represent a maculopapular rash - individual elements merge into single foci.
Spots first appear on the neck, head, upper chest, and then spread throughout the body. 3 days after the onset, the rash begins to turn pale - a recovery period begins, when the temperature and general well-being return to normal.
Causes and routes of infection
Measles is caused by an RNA virus. It is transmitted from a sick person by airborne droplets - after contact with the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, the pathogen enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body. The patient is especially dangerous in the first days of infection.
Measles can be caught not only through direct contact with a sick person.
Infection can occur even if you just go into the room where the patient has recently been. It is considered harmless only from the 5th day after the appearance of rashes.
Complications
In particularly severe cases or if treatment is not started in time, measles can be complicated by a secondary bacterial infection - pneumonia. In adulthood, it can also contribute to the development of the following pathologies:
- meningitis;
- meningoencephalitis;
- polyneuritis;
- corneal ulcers, keratitis;
- hearing loss;
- lesions of intra-abdominal lymph nodes.
The most rare and dangerous complication is measles encephalitis, which causes inflammation of the brain. That is why timely measles vaccination for adults is very important. In childhood, the disease is more easily tolerated, and in adulthood it can cause severe complications.
When to see a doctor
Going to the clinic for measles is essential because there are serious risks of complications in adulthood.
The doctor should be visited as early as possible, immediately after the first signs of the disease appear. By recognizing the symptoms of measles, a specialist can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
In JSC "Medicina" (clinic of Academician Roitberg) in the center of Moscow, if you suspect measles, you can contact a general practitioner or an infectious disease specialist. They also decide whether measles vaccination is necessary.
Diagnosis of measles
Test for measles early in the course of the disease to detect immunoglobulins M (IgM). These are early antibodies that indicate the initial stage of the disease and indicate that the body has already begun to fight the virus.
Analysis for measles shows an increase in IgM titer of at least 4 times. The first time it is prescribed when characteristic signs of the disease appear, and the second time after 2-3 weeks to confirm infection with a similar infection. Other procedures for the diagnosis of measles, carried out at JSC "Medicine" (clinic of academician Roitberg), include:
- serological blood test;
- urinalysis;
- chest x-ray for complications.
Treatment
Measles can be treated on an outpatient basis if the patient does not have serious complications of the disease. Hospitalization is necessary in case of a general serious condition of the patient or the impossibility of isolation, for example, when living in a hostel, military unit, etc. Measles treatment is exclusively symptomatic, i.e. the patient is prescribed drugs that facilitate the course of the disease:
- antipyretics;
- antiviral;
- vasoconstrictor from the common cold.
In the event of a bacterial infection (otitis or pneumonia), the patient is prescribed antibacterial drugs. Sufficient efficiency in this case have pills taken orally. Antibiotics are prescribed on the basis of an analysis to identify the causative agent of the infection in order to determine its sensitivity to specific drugs.
Measles vaccination
Measles vaccination for adults is prescribed for children under 35 years of age.
Vaccination is mandatory regardless of age for people working with children. In general, vaccination is necessary because in adulthood there is a risk of serious complications, and also because of the severe course of the infection.
The measles vaccine is believed to provide immunity for an average of 20 years. Vaccination is done twice with an interval of 3 months. The modern measles vaccine has a one-, two- or three-component composition, i.e. it is made for one or more diseases: measles, measles-mumps, measles-mumps-rubella.
Home remedies
Home treatment for measles is to keep the patient in bed for the entire febrile period. Doctors advise avoiding bright light, adhere to the rules of oral and eye hygiene. The room where the patient is located should be regularly ventilated and wet cleaned twice a day. The patient needs a light diet that does not irritate the intestines. Vitamins A and C must be included in the diet.
Myths and dangerous misconceptions in the treatment of measles
There are many myths and misconceptions around measles, which in some cases lead to serious consequences.
Among the most common myths are the following.
- Nobody has had measles for a long time. According to statistics, quite the opposite. Outbreaks of the disease still occur in areas with a low level of medical development. Developed countries are not immune from this either.
- Only children get measles. Yes, 95% of patients are children under the age of 16, but there is no guarantee that an adult will not get measles.
- It's better to get sick. Many parents believe that it is better for a child to have measles and become immune to it than to be vaccinated, considering the infection to be a harmless childhood disease like chickenpox. In reality, it's not like that at all. According to WHO, measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children.
- Vaccination does not work. This is also a misconception, as confirmed by WHO data. In 2000-2015 mass vaccination was able to reduce the number of cases worldwide by 75%.
Prophylaxis
There is no specific prophylaxis against measles.
