MEASLES

Measles is primarily a respiratory infection caused by a highly contagious virus found all over the world. Also called rubeola, measles can be serious and even fatal for small children. Approximately 30 million to 40 million cases of measles occur worldwide each year, resulting in close to 1 million deaths. Measles (rubeola) is not the same as rubella, a condition caused by a different virus that is less contagious and results in less severe symptoms.

The measles vaccine is a highly effective way to prevent the measles illness. However, vaccination programs are incomplete in much of the world. Global health organizations are working hard to address this problem. The disease can spread easily with international travelers.

Measles symptoms and signs appear 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus. They typically include: fever; dry cough; runny nose; inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis); sensitivity to light; and tiny red spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek, called Koplik's spots.

Measles typically begins with a mild to moderate fever, accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as a persistent cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis) and sore throat. Two or three days later, Koplik's spots – a characteristic sign of measles – appear. Then a fever spikes, often as high as 104 or 105 F. At the same time, a red blotchy rash appears, usually on the face, along the hairline and behind the ears. This itchy rash rapidly spreads downward to the chest and back and, finally, to the thighs and feet. After about a week, the rash fades in the same sequence that it appeared.

No treatment can get rid of an established measles infection. However, nonimmunized infants may be given the measles vaccination within 72 hours of exposure to the measles virus, to provide protection against the disease. Pregnant women, infants and people with weakened immune systems who are exposed to the virus may receive an injection of proteins (antibodies) that can fight off infection, called immune serum globulin. When given within six days of exposure to the virus, these antibodies can prevent measles or make symptoms less severe.

The person may also take over-the-counter medications to help relieve the fever that accompanies measles. If you develop a bacterial infection while you have measles, such as pneumonia or an ear infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Young children who are hospitalized with severe measles might also benefit from prescription doses of vitamin A.

Isolation is another element of treatment. Because measles is highly contagious, people with measles shouldn't return to activities in which they interact with other people during this period. It may also be necessary to keep nonimmunized people out of the infected person's house.