Special Conditions >> Specific Infections >> Measles

Measles

What is measles?

Measles (Rubeola) is an acute childhood infection caused by Measles virus.

Infected persons will suffer respiratory symptoms and a rash. It is highly contagious and spreads by droplets from the mouth, nose or throat when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes.

However, most children in Malaysia are immuned to measles since the implementation of measles immunization programmed.

What are the features of measles?

It takes about 10-12 days after contact with a contagious infected person for the symptoms to start. The symptoms begin with

• High grade fever
• Cough, runny nose, sore throat
• Watery red eyes, sensitive to light
• Muscle aches

Two to three days later, a red blotchy rash appears, first on the face and neck, then it spreads to the trunk and limbs. The rash will last for four to seven days. When rash appears fever is usually at its height.

The time the symptoms start until the rash fades will last for 10 -14 days. Measles is contagious for about one week before to four days after the rash begins.

Measles rash

Is fever and rash in a child always measles?

Infections with other viruses are often also associated with fever and rash. Measles is often however confused with Roseola Infantum which is due to another virus which typically has the same features as Measles except when rash appears after 2-3 days the fever usually subsides.

What is the usual outcome of a child with measles?

Although most children with measles will recover, serious complications can occur.

Adolescents, adults, infants and malnourished children are at higher risk for complications. It is also a serious illness in those with a weakened immune system.

The complications include :

• Ear infection
• Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
• Encephalitis (infection of the brain)
• Diarrhoea

Death may occur in severe cases. Measles in pregnant women can cause miscarriage and premature delivery.

How should measles be treated?

There is no specific treatment for measles. The symptoms are usually relieved by :

• Paracetamol to bring down the fever
• Avoiding bright light which hurts the eyes
• Taking a lot of rest and water

The rash requires no treatment and it will disappear by itself.
An infected person should stay home until no longer contagious (about four days after the rash appears).

Can we prevent measles?

Measles is a preventable illness. Measles vaccine, included in the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccination, is recommended at 12 months old and later at seven years old in Malaysia.

It is very important that parents bring their children promptly to be immunized.

MMR is a safe vaccine.
If you are exposed to someone who has measles, consult your health care provider immediately.

Last reviewed : 15 December 2008