Measles is a viral infection that causes a red, blotchy rash on the skin.
Overview
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes fever, cough, runny nose and a distinctive red rash. It spreads through respiratory droplets and can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. Measles is preventable through vaccination.
Because it can lead to potentially serious complications, measles should be properly diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.
Signs and Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of measles?
High Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Red, blotchy rash on the skin
Koplik spots (small white spots inside the mouth surrounded by localized redness) which may appear before the rash
Diagnosis
How is measles diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose measles based on symptoms and exposure history and can confirm cases with a respiratory (usually throat) swab and a blood test. If you think your child has measles, contact your pediatrician.
Causes
What causes measles?
Measles is caused by coming into direct contact with someone who has the virus. In addition, when someone with the condition coughs, sneezes or talks, this can spread the virus. The virus particles can travel for distances longer than six feet and remain in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the room.
Treatment
How is measles treated?
There is no antiviral treatment or cure for measles. Symptoms usually last 10-14 days and treatment includes supportive care such as:
Managing fever and hydration
Rest
Vitamin A is recommended in children with measles
Monitoring for common complications
Measles-related complications can include:
Encephalitis (both, during the acute phase of the disease, and even years after the disease has resolved, with the Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis or SSPE)
Low platelet count
Prevent measles with the MMR vaccine risk for measles?
If your child has not been vaccinated against measles and has traveled to countries where the virus is still common or has been exposed to someone with measles, they may be at risk for acquiring the virus. Children who have a vitamin A deficiency, are particularly at risk for a more severe disease.
Learn more about the CDC recommendations for the MMR vaccine.