Measles

Measles is a viral respiratory infection caused by a virus that is highly contagious and can pass on easily to other children or adults who arenot immune to the disease. This can be through direct contact like touching or kissing an infected child, or using the materials of an infected child or through breathing in the droplets transmitted into the air by an infected child. Measles is medically termed as rubeola. Appearance of rash all over the body starting from the face downwards is the main symptom for measles. Even around 4 days before the rash appears, the child becomes infectious to others and it continues to around 4 days after the appearance of the rash. So before realizing they have measles, they tend to spread the virus to others. It is common in children of 1 to 4 years old, though this disease may affect people of any age. Children who are not vaccinated or whose immune system is weak, are most likely to be infected by measles virus.

Symptoms

Symptoms begin to appear only after 7 to 10 days since the child has been exposed to the virus. This period between exposure to the virus and appearance of symptoms is called incubation period. The first symptoms are like that of common cold with a cough, runny nose, red or pink eye (conjunctivitis) and fever. After 2 to 4 days, the rash will start appearing. The rash first appears in the mouth on the inside lining of the cheeks, then on the face and spreads downwards all over the body, hands and legs. The rash starts as red dots which sometimes join together to form larger splotches. The rash will last for 5 to 8 days. It will start fading after 3 to 4 days and peel off after about a week.

Treatment

First you must be certain about your diagnosis of measles. Confirm with the help of your doctor that it is measles. If diagnosed in the early days of the disease, you can get your child immunized and protect the child from undergoing the suffering of the entire course of the disease. At home, give your child plenty of fluids. Your doctor may recommend that you give paracetamol in proper dose to control fever. Darken your child’s room to keep your child comfortable against conjunctivitis for the first few days. Foods rich in vitamin A can be given to boost the immune system of the child. Being a viral infection, no antibiotics can be given. The virus will run its course for nearly a week or 10 days.

Complications that may arise from measles are encephalitis and broncho-pneumonia. Call your paediatrician immediately if complications arise.

Prevention

Immunization with MMR vaccine in two doses, one at 12 to 15 months of age, followed by another dose at 4 years or at 11 to 12 years, is the best preventive measure. In India measles vaccine is also advised at 9 months.