Measles

Measles is a contagious illness caused by a virus. It used to be very common in children, but now it's almost always preventable with a shot. Measles is also known as rubeola.

It's easily spread from person to person. In young children, measles can be very dangerous and even lead to death. While more children getting the measles vaccine has helped lower the number of deaths worldwide, measles still causes over 200,000 deaths each year, mostly in children.

In the United States, measles hasn't been a widespread problem for about 20 years. This is largely due to high vaccination rates. Most measles cases in the U.S. recently have come from people who got the infection elsewhere and either weren't vaccinated, or didn't know for sure if they had received the vaccine.

Measles: Understanding the Symptoms and Stages

Measles is a contagious illness caused by a virus. Symptoms typically appear about 10 to 14 days after you're exposed to the virus. These early signs can include:

• Fever: A general feeling of warmth and illness.
• Dry Cough: A persistent cough without phlegm.
• Runny Nose: A discharge from the nose.
• Sore Throat: Pain or discomfort in the throat.
• Inflamed Eyes (Conjunctivitis): Redness and irritation in the whites of the eyes.
• Koplik's Spots: Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background inside the mouth, on the lining of the cheeks. These are a key sign of measles.
• Skin Rash: A widespread rash of large, flat red spots that often blend together.

Measles develops over several stages, usually lasting 2 to 3 weeks.

1. Infection and Incubation: For the first 10 to 14 days after exposure, the measles virus is multiplying inside your body, but you likely won't have any noticeable symptoms.

2. Early Symptoms (Nonspecific Signs): After the incubation period, you might experience mild to moderate fever, a persistent cough, a runny nose, red eyes, and a sore throat. This initial illness can last for 2 to 3 days.

3. Acute Illness and Rash: The illness progresses, and a rash will appear. The rash starts with small, red spots that can be slightly raised. These spots and bumps cluster together, giving the skin a blotchy, reddish look. The rash typically begins on the face and then spreads down the body, including the arms, chest, back, thighs, lower legs, and feet. During this stage, the fever often rises significantly, sometimes reaching 104 to 105.8°F (40 to 41°C).

4. Recovery: The rash typically lasts about 7 days. It fades first from the face and last from the lower extremities (feet and legs). As other symptoms improve, the cough might linger, and the skin where the rash was might darken or peel for about 10 days.

It's important to remember that if you suspect you have measles, you should contact a healthcare professional right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.

If you or your child might have been exposed to measles, or if you notice a rash that could be measles, contact your doctor.

Before your child starts daycare, school, or college, or before any trips outside the US, it's a good idea to check your family's vaccination records with your doctor. This is important to make sure everyone is up-to-date on their measles shots. Knowing your vaccination history is also helpful for planning any international travel.

Measles is a very contagious illness, meaning it spreads easily from person to person. A virus causes measles, and it lives in the nose and throat of someone who has it. When someone with measles coughs, sneezes, or even talks, tiny droplets containing the virus are released into the air. These droplets can stay suspended in the air for around an hour.

These droplets can also land on surfaces and remain infectious for several hours. If you touch a surface with these droplets and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you can catch the measles virus.

Measles is highly contagious for about eight days—four days before the rash appears and four days after. If you haven't had measles and haven't been vaccinated, there's a very high chance—around 90%—that you'll get it if you come into contact with someone who has the illness.

Measles can affect anyone, but some people are more likely to get it or have a harder time recovering. Here are some reasons why:

• Not getting vaccinated: If you haven't received the measles vaccine, your body has no protection against the virus. This makes you much more vulnerable to catching measles. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to build immunity and prevent the spread of diseases.

• Traveling to areas with measles outbreaks: If you visit countries where measles is currently widespread, you're at increased risk of exposure to the virus. Being exposed to someone with measles in these places can lead to infection.

• Low vitamin A levels: Vitamin A is important for a healthy immune system. If you don't get enough vitamin A through your diet, your body might not be able to fight off measles as effectively. This can lead to more severe symptoms and potential complications during an infection. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods is crucial for overall health, including your ability to resist diseases.

Measles can lead to a number of serious problems. Here are some common complications:

• Dehydration: Measles can cause diarrhea and vomiting. This can quickly lead to losing too much fluid from your body, a condition called dehydration. Dehydration can be dangerous and needs prompt treatment.

• Ear Infections: A common complication of measles is a bacterial infection of the ear. This infection can cause pain and discomfort.

• Respiratory Problems: Measles can inflame the airways, leading to problems like bronchitis, laryngitis, and croup. Bronchitis is inflammation of the air passages in the lungs, laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box, and croup is inflammation of the airways, especially in the windpipe and voice box. This inflammation can make it hard to breathe.

• Lung Infections (Pneumonia): Measles can cause pneumonia, which is a lung infection. This is a serious complication that can be particularly dangerous for people with weaker immune systems. A severe case of measles-related pneumonia could be life-threatening.

• Brain Swelling (Encephalitis): About one in every thousand people with measles can develop encephalitis. Encephalitis is swelling of the brain, and it can be very dangerous. A weakened immune system makes encephalitis even more of a risk. This complication can happen right after the measles infection, or sometimes even months later. Encephalitis can cause permanent brain damage.

• Pregnancy Risks: Measles can pose significant risks during pregnancy. It can lead to premature birth, babies with low birth weights, and even the loss of the pregnancy (fetal death). This is why it's crucial to avoid measles if you're pregnant. Getting vaccinated or seeking medical advice is highly recommended.

The CDC, a U.S. health agency, advises that everyone, from babies to older adults, get the measles vaccine. This helps protect them from getting measles.

Doctors often diagnose measles by looking for a distinctive rash. A key sign is a small, bluish-white spot on a bright red area inside the cheek, called Koplik's spot. To help determine if it's measles, the doctor will ask if you or your child has had the measles vaccine, if you've recently traveled outside the United States, and if you've been in contact with anyone who has a rash or fever.

Unfortunately, many doctors haven't seen measles firsthand. The rash can look similar to other illnesses. So, if needed, a blood test can confirm if the rash is actually measles. A test using a throat swab or urine sample can also confirm the presence of the measles virus.

Unfortunately, there's no specific medicine to cure measles once you have it. Treatment focuses on making you or your child comfortable and preventing any serious complications.

However, there are ways to protect people who haven't had measles and have been exposed to the virus.

Managing Symptoms:

If a fever develops, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to help reduce discomfort. Always follow the dosage instructions carefully on the packaging or ask your doctor or pharmacist for the correct amount. Be extremely cautious about giving aspirin to children or teenagers, especially if they have the flu or chickenpox. Aspirin has been linked to a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome in these cases.

Protecting Against Exposure:

• Vaccination: If you haven't been vaccinated and are exposed to measles, getting the measles vaccine within 72 hours can help prevent or lessen the severity of the illness. This is particularly important for infants and those who can't be vaccinated. Measles will likely be milder and shorter-lasting if you receive the vaccine after exposure.

• Immune Serum Globulin (IG): People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and infants, who've been exposed to measles, might receive an injection of immune serum globulin. This is a protein containing antibodies that can help fight the virus. If given within six days of exposure, immune serum globulin may prevent the infection or lessen its impact.

Treating Complications:

• Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection like pneumonia or an ear infection develops alongside measles, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat it.

• Vitamin A: Children who have low vitamin A levels might have a more serious case of measles. Giving vitamin A can help lessen the severity. A large dose of 200,000 international units (IU) is typically given to children over one year old. Lower doses may be appropriate for younger children.

Important Note: This information is for general knowledge and does not replace advice from a medical professional. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to treatment.