Measles: what you need to know
What is measles?
Measles is a very infectious illness that mostly affects children. It is caused by a type of virus called paramyxovirus. It is spread from child to child by coughing, sneezing or sometimes kissing.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms will begin to show 10 to 14 days after infection with the measles virus. Initially, they include fever, weakness, loss of appetite and sticky or itchy eyes. The child’s nose may be runny and they may lose their voice, have a hacking cough and find bright light unpleasant. By the third day, tiny white/blue spots will appear on the inside of the mouth. They may have a fine red circle around them. These are called Koplik’s spots. Following this, a blotchy red rash appears on the skin. The rash usually starts behind the ears, and then spreads to the face, the body and then to the arms and legs.
What is the treatment for measles?
As measles is caused by a virus, treatment with antibiotics will be of no use. However, antibiotics may be offered if your child develops a bacterial infection (such as pneumonia or an ear infection) as a result of having measles.
Keep your child in bed or resting quietly on the couch. As they will be infectious for about 10 days, do not invite other children to play or visit.
Offer your child plenty of clear drinks throughout the day, especially if they have a temperature. Don’t worry if your child does not feel like eating as this is normal; however, it is very important to keep them drinking.
Cough
If the cough is dry (not coughing up any phlegm) and is causing your child distress, try using cough mixture. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which product to use. You may find that they get good relief from the cough by sitting in a steamy room. This can be done simply by using a vaporiser, a special machine which produces a fine, moist mist. Vaporisers can be bought at pharmacies. Sitting in the bathroom while a hot shower is running can also be effective, but can be dangerous. Do not leave a young child unattended when doing this, as the risk of burns is very real.
Fever
Paracetamol or ibuprofen will help to reduce the fever and control headaches. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Never use aspirin for children or teenagers, and do not use paracetamol for more than a few days without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. When your child has a fever, dress them lightly, and cover only with a sheet. If they feel cold and shaky, cover them up until the shakes stop and they feel comfortable, then remove the clothes and blankets again. Close all the curtains in the room, and let them lie quietly in the dark if the light hurts their eyes.
Sticky eyes
Wash sticky or itchy eyes with a mixture of previously boiled water (500 mL) and salt (1 teaspoon). Use disposable eye make-up pads or a very clean flannel to do this. If the sticky pus around the eyes turns green or dark yellow/cream, take your child to the doctor as they may have developed a bacterial infection and require antibiotics.
Take or return your child to the doctor
In some children (or adults) measles can cause very serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Take or return your child to hospital if they:
- are having trouble breathing;
- are complaining of a stiff neck;
- are complaining of a severe headache;
- develop bruises;
- are very drowsy or you cannot wake them up;
- are coughing up green or yellow thick sputum or are complaining of pain in their back;
- are complaining that they have sore ears;
- have a fit;
- have not passed urine for 10 hours; or
- are under a year old or have other chronic health problems.
Preventing measles
Measles can be a serious illness. A vaccine against measles is available, and forms part of the routine vaccination schedule recommended for all children in Australia. If an outbreak occurs, children may also be offered a ‘booster’ dose. If your child does contract measles, they will be infectious from 3-5 days before the rash appears to as many as 4 days after the rash begins. They must be kept away from other children during this time.
Last Reviewed: 01 July 2009
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