Measles
What Is Measles?
Measles is caused by a virus that is spread by droplets. The virus is passed on through direct contact with an infected person, by touching them, or through breathing contaminated air.
The infectious period begins around four days before the rash appeared, so people can spread the virus before they know they have it.
Who Is Prone To Measles?
Although anyone can contract measles, it is most common between children aged between one and four years. The following are also at risk:-
- young babies under one year
- children whose immune system is suppressed, for example by cancer or HIV
- malnourished children
- children with vitamin A deficiency
There is a measles vaccine and so all children who've not been vaccinated are at risk.
What Are The Symptoms Of Measles?
The symptoms of measles can include the following:-
- runny nose
- cough
- conjunctivitis
- fever
- tiny white spots surrounded by red (Koplik spots) may develop on the inside mucosa of the cheeks
- a measles rash appears a day or two later This starts behind the ears or on the face before covering the body
- nausea and vomiting
- abdominal pain and diarrhoea
Symptoms usually last about a fortnight and after the rash has started, it is recommended that children of school age have around five days off.
How Serious Is Measles?
The measles infection isn’t usually serious but there is a risk of fatal complications. Occasionally other complications can include:-
- otitis media
- pneumonia
- hepatitis
- conjunctivitis
- encephalitis (inflammation of the brain
How Is Measles Diagnosed?
See your doctor to confirm the diagnosis of measles in your child.
How Is Measles Treated?
Children can be treated with paracetamol to reduce the pain and fever. In extreme cases the child may be hospitalised and given antiviral drugs.Children in the UK are offered a vaccination against measles as part of the MMR vaccine. This is given between twelve and fifteen months of age with a pre-school booster.
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