Measles
Measles is one of the most serious and common childhood viral illnesses. It is also called rubella. It is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. If you have measles, you will have a skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough, and runny nose.
There are two types of measles, each caused by a different virus. They both produce a rash and fever but they are two different diseases.
The rubella virus causes "red measles'. It is also known as "hard measles" or just measles. Most people recover without problems from rubella but it can lead to pneumonia or inflammation of the brain if not attended immediately.
The rubella virus causes "German measles" which is also known as "three day measles". This is usually milder than red measles.
Measles is a human virus. Both the rubella and rubella viruses are spread through the respiratory system. This means that they are very contagious and they transmit through coughing and sneezing. However, rubella is known as the more contagious one. It is possible for people to carry the virus in their respiratory system before they get sick, so they can spread the disease without even being aware of it. If you were vaccinated in childhood, you cannot get measles again, even if you come in contact with someone who has it. Therefore, it is very important for parents to immunise their children against measles.
Measles is transmitted through coughing and sneezing and it remains in the air for up to two hours. It can be transmitted to you, and you will not know until the start of the rash four days later.
The earliest symptoms of measles are a fever (climbing over three days to 39 to 40.5 degrees Celsius); runny nose; red, inflamed eyes; and a loss of appetite.
These symptoms appear about 10-14 days after a person is infected with the rubella virus. This is called the incubation period. During this period, the virus is multiplies and white spots on a red base can be seen upon careful examination of the inside of the mouth. The red spots usually appear opposite the molar teeth on the inside of the cheeks. These are known as Koplik's spots.
The most effective way to prevent measles is through immunisation. Normally children are protected from measles for six months after birth because they still carry immunity from their mothers. The vaccine is usually given to children who are over twelve months old. They get it at twelve to fifteen month of age and again at four to six years. However, in the case of an outbreak, the vaccine can be given when the child is six to eleven months old followed by the measles-mumps-rubella immunisation (MMR), or the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella immunisation (MMRV).
Measles is caused by a virus. Therefore there is no specific medical treatment and the virus has to run its course. However, a child who is sick should get lots of fluids and rest, and be kept away from other children to avoid the spreading of the infection to others.
The following homemade solution can be given to the children to avoid dehydration:
½ a teaspoon of salt
8 level teaspoons of sugar
1 L of boiled, cooled water
Dissolve the salt and sugar in the water. (Do not be tempted to add extra salt or sugar, as this can be harmful.)
Tips to make measles more tolerable:
Rest as much as you can
Sponge baths with lukewarm water may reduce discomfort due to fever.
Drink lots of fluids
The Measles vaccine should not be given to pregnant women or children with untreated tuberculosis, leukaemia and a weak immune system. Also bear in mind that it is not wise to give the vaccine to children who have a history of severe allergic reactions to gelatine or to the antibiotic neomycin because they are at risk for reactions to the vaccine.
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Page last updated 20 January 2010
