Measles treatment in child

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

Measles - NHS

Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it.

Check if you or your child has measles

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.

Cold-like symptoms

The first symptoms of measles include:

a high temperature
a runny or blocked nose
sneezing
a cough
red, sore, watery eyes

Spots in the mouth

Credit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/259736/view

Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days.

The measles rash

A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms.

The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

Credit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/259737/view

The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They're not usually itchy.

Credit:

Mediscan / Alamy Stock Photo https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-measles-rash-52503125.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=51D0C664-0A7F-4989-BD3A-03BD405059E3&p=17774&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1&searchtype=0&IsFromSearch=1&srch=foo%3Dbar%26st%3D0%26sortby%3D2%26qt%3DD1BM7H%26qt_raw%3DD1BM7H%26qn%3D%26lic%3D3%26edrf%3D0%26mr%3D0%26pr%3D0%26aoa%3D1%26creative%3D%26videos%3D%26nu%3D%26ccc%3D%26bespoke%3D%26apalib%3D%26ag%3D0%26hc%3D0%26et%3D0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3D0%26loc%3D0%26ot%3D0%26imgt%3D0%26dtfr%3D%26dtto%3D%26size%3D0xFF%26blackwhite%3D%26cutout%3D%26archive%3D1%26name%3D%26groupid%3D%26pseudoid%3D788068%26userid%3D%26id%3D%26a%3D%26xstx%3D0%26cbstore%3D1%26resultview%3DsortbyPopular%26lightbox%3D%26gname%3D%26gtype%3D%26apalic%3D%26tbar%3D1%26pc%3D%26simid%3D%26cap%3D1%26customgeoip%3D%26vd%3D0%26cid%3D%26pe%3D%26so%3D%26lb%3D%26pl%3D0%26plno%3D%26fi%3D0%26langcode%3Den%26upl%3D0%26cufr%3D%26cuto%3D%26howler%3D%26cvrem%3D0%26cvtype%3D0%26cvloc%3D0%26cl%3D0%26upfr%3D%26upto%3D%26primcat%3D%26seccat%3D%26cvcategory%3D*%26restriction%3D%26random%3D%26ispremium%3D1%26flip%3D0%26contributorqt%3D%26plgalleryno%3D%26plpublic%3D0%26viewaspublic%3D0%26isplcurate%3D0%26imageurl%3D%26saveQry%3D%26editorial%3D1%26t%3D0%26edoptin%3D

The rash looks brown or red on white skin.

It may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

Credit:

phichet chaiyabin

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/measles-baby-408024505

Information:

If you're not sure it's measles

It's very unlikely to be measles if you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you've had measles before.

See other rashes in babies and children

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

you think you or your child may have measles
you've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you've not had measles before or you've not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine
you've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you're pregnant – measles can be serious in pregnancy
you have a weakened immune system and think you have measles or have been in close contact with someone with measles

Measles can spread to others easily. Call your GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone.

You can also call 111 or get help from 111 online.

How to look after yourself or your child

Measles usually starts to get better in about a week.

After seeing a GP, there are things you can do to help ease the symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

It can help to:

rest and drink plenty fluids, such as water, to avoid dehydration
take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve a high temperature – do not give aspirin to children under 16 years
use cotton wool soaked in warm water to gently remove any crusts from your or your child's eyes

Important: Important

Stay off nursery, school, or work for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears.

Also try to avoid close contact with babies, people who are pregnant and people with weakened immune systems.

How to avoid spreading or catching measles

Measles is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. There are things you can do to reduce the risk of spreading or catching it.

Do

wash your hands often with soap and warm water
use tissues when you cough or sneeze
throw used tissues in the bin

Don’t

do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding

Complications of measles

Measles can lead to serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain.

Problems that can be caused by measles include:

pneumonia
meningitis
blindness
seizures (fits)

These problems are rare, but some people are more at risk. This includes babies and people with weakened immune systems.

Measles in pregnancy

If you get measles when you're pregnant, it could harm your baby.

It can cause:

miscarriage or stillbirth
premature birth (before the 37th week of pregnancy)
your baby having a low birthweight

It's important to get medical advice if you're pregnant and have been in close contact with someone who has measles.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

You or your child has measles and:

shortness of breath
a high temperature that does not come down after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen
confusion
seizures (fits)

Get vaccinated against measles

The MMR vaccine can prevent measles. It also protects you from mumps and rubella.

The MMR vaccine is offered to all children in the UK. 2 doses can give lifelong protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Ask at your GP surgery if you're not sure you or your child have had the vaccine. They can give it for free on the NHS.

Find out more about the MMR vaccine

Page last reviewed: 21 February 2022
Next review due: 21 February 2025

Measles in children, symptoms and treatment of measles in children

Measles in children - a disease transmitted by airborne droplets when sneezing, coughing, talking with a sick child. Measles in children characterized by fever, lethargy, weakness, headaches, small-spotted rash, conjunctival lesions and coryza.

The only source of measles is a sick person. Persons who have not had measles and are not vaccinated against measles remain highly susceptible to measles throughout their lives and can become ill at any age. If the family has unvaccinated children , it is better to send them to their grandmother or other relatives during the illness of a brother or sister.

Immunity after a natural measles infection is persistent. Recurrent infections with measles are rare. Immunity after vaccination is more short-lived (10 years after vaccination, only 36% of those vaccinated retain protective antibody titers).

The incubation period for measles is 9-11 days.

Symptoms of measles in children

1st day . Initial signs of measles. The temperature rises (usually up to 38–39 °). Appear lethargy, cough, sore throat, sometimes conjunctivitis, photophobia.

Day 2-3 . The temperature usually drops. This period of illness lasts 3-4 days, sometimes longer in adolescents. It makes itself felt a sure sign of measles - the mucous membrane of the mouth becomes bright red, spotty. A measles rash appears, which is accompanied by a new jump in temperature. First, the rash occurs behind the ears, then in the center of the face, within a day it spreads to the entire face, neck, and partly the upper chest. The next day, it goes to the trunk, forearm, thighs, then covers the entire surface of the arms and legs. The rash looks like small pink papules the size of buckwheat or millet grains - specific nodules or elevations on the skin without watery contents. Literally a few hours later they are surrounded by a red zone, and a little later everything merges, forming large irregularly shaped spots with a papule in the very center.

4th day . The rash will not change color for a few more days and will fade in the order in which it appeared. Sometimes rashes only appear on the legs and arms, and the face is already turning pale.

The elements of the rash tend to merge, forming complex shapes with scalloped edges. However, even with the thickest rash, you can find areas of completely normal skin. After 3-4 days, the elements of the rash turn pale, brownish spots remain in their place - pigmentation, especially pronounced and prolonged in the presence of hemorrhagic transformations of the rash. At the site of the rash, later pityriasis peeling is observed (on the face and trunk). Pronounced conjunctivitis is characteristic, sometimes with purulent discharge, gluing eyelashes in the morning. Some patients have abdominal pain, loose stools.

Treatment of measles in children

If you suspect that your child has measles, put him to bed immediately and call a doctor immediately. Be sure to exclude all contact with children, especially unvaccinated ones. You can give an antipyretic: aspirin, paracetamol. But in no case should you give your child antibiotics - they do not work on the measles virus! Antibacterial drugs can be prescribed only by a doctor and only in case of complications. The rash does not need to be lubricated.

Children with measles are treated at home. Patients with complicated measles are subject to hospitalization. During the febrile period, bed rest is recommended. The bunk is placed with the head end to the window so that the light does not enter the eyes. The child is given a large amount of liquid, fruit juices, vitamins, with persistent dry cough - expectorants.

A reliable method of preventing measles is immunization with a live measles vaccine. The vaccine provides a protective effect for about 15 years. The first vaccination is given to children aged about 1 year, the second vaccination is given to children aged 15-18 months.

Measles in children. Symptoms and treatment of measles in children

Measles in children is a disease transmitted by airborne droplets when sneezing, coughing, talking with a sick child. Measles in children is characterized by fever, lethargy, weakness, headaches, a small-spotted rash, conjunctival lesions, and a runny nose.

The only source of measles is a sick person. Individuals who have not had measles or been vaccinated against measles remain highly susceptible to measles throughout their lives and can become ill at any age. If there are unvaccinated children in the family, it is better to send them to their grandmother or other relatives during the illness of their brother or sister.

Symptoms of measles in children.

1st day . Initial signs of measles. The temperature rises (usually up to 38-39 °). Appear lethargy, cough, sore throat, sometimes conjunctivitis, photophobia.

Day 2-3 . The temperature usually drops. This period of illness lasts 3-4 days, in adolescents sometimes longer. It makes itself felt a sure sign of measles - the mucous membrane of the mouth becomes bright red, spotty. A measles rash appears, which is accompanied by a new jump in temperature.

First, the rash occurs behind the ears, then in the center of the face, during the day it spreads to the entire face, neck, and partly the upper chest. The next day, it goes to the trunk, forearm, thighs, then covers the entire surface of the arms and legs. The rash looks like small pink papules the size of buckwheat or millet grains - specific nodules or elevations on the skin without watery contents. Literally a few hours later they are surrounded by a red zone, and a little later everything merges, forming large irregularly shaped spots with a papule in the very center.

The elements of the rash tend to merge, forming complex shapes with scalloped edges. However, even with the thickest rash, you can find areas of completely normal skin. After 3-4 days, the elements of the rash turn pale, brownish spots remain in their place - pigmentation, especially pronounced and prolonged in the presence of hemorrhagic transformations of the rash. At the site of the rash, later pityriasis peeling is observed (on the face and trunk). The expressed conjunctivitis is characteristic, sometimes with the separated pus sticking together eyelashes in the morning. Some patients have abdominal pain, loose stools.

Treatment of measles in children.

If you suspect your child has measles, put him to bed immediately and call a doctor right away. Be sure to exclude all contact with children, especially unvaccinated ones. You can give an antipyretic: aspirin, paracetamol. But in no case should you give your child antibiotics - they do not work on the measles virus! Antibacterial drugs can only be prescribed by a doctor and only in case of complications. The rash does not need to be lubricated.