Children with Measles

Most children growing up in the 1950s and 1960s were expected to come down with the measles at some time during their elementary school years. However, thanks to vaccination programs, measles outbreaks are rare today. In fact, in the United States in 2005, fewer than 70 cases of measles were reported to the Center for Disease Control.
 
While measles outbreaks are rare, it is important for parents to know the causes and symptoms of the disease. More often than not, children with measles can be treated at home, as the risks of complications or death from the disease are quite low.

Types of Measles

There are two main types of measles:
  • German measles, or rubella, is much milder than regular measles and is characterized by a fever that lasts only a few days. Sometimes, German measles is called three-day fever.

  • Measles, also known as rubeola, is characterized by a rash that begins below the hairline and which then spreads over the entire body. This type of the disease is usually accompanied by fever, a cough and flu-like symptoms that can last for a few weeks.

Causes of Measles

The virus that causes measles,theparamyxovirus, is highly contagious. It can be transmitted through sneezing and coughing. Of course, children can also develop measles by sharing food and drink with an infected person.

Children with measles are contagious for approximately four days before symptoms appear and for approximately five to 10 days after the rash becomes visible.
 
Measles Vaccination
In the United States, measles is rare because of widespread vaccination programs. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine protects your child from both types of the measles. The vaccine is usually administered at 12 months of age and again prior to starting kindergarten.

Newborn babies don't need the vaccination, as they inherit their immunity from their mothers. However, the immunity does wear off, so receiving the vaccination at 12 months is important.

Some children who are vaccinated experience side effects such as a fever or a mild rash. Call with your doctor if you have concerns. Your child may develop symptoms one to two weeks after receiving the measles vaccination.

Measles Symptoms

One of the first indications that your child has contracted the measles are small spots inside your child's mouth. These are called Koplick's spots. Eventually, your child will develop an itchy, blotchy rash all over his body. This rash may be accompanied by high fever and sore eyes.

German measles symptoms include a milder rash, watery eyes and swollen glands at the back of the neck.

Measles Complications

Complications from measles are rare. They typically occur in adults or in children whose immune systems are compromised by other diseases or improper nutrition.

The most common measles complications include:
  • croup (a medical condition characterized by a loud, barking cough and wheezing)
  • encephalitis (brain inflammation)
  • pneumonia.
Due to the possibility of complications, it is important to contact your child's doctor immediately if you suspect your child has been exposed to the measles virus, particularly if your child is fighting an infection or is receiving treatment for any other type of illness.

Monitor your child for signs of respiratory problems and other infections, especially ear infections.

Treatment for Measles

Most cases of measles can be treated at home. You should attempt to keep your child quiet and comfortable and should monitor his fever. The symptoms of the measles will generally disappear within two weeks.

If you're providing treatment for measles, you can:
  • Give non-aspirin medication such as acetaminophen. Avoid aspirin, due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a brain disease that causes fever, vomiting and sometimes coma.
  • Keep the infected child hydrated. Provide clear fluids such as water or fruit juice to replace lost fluids.
  • Keep the room dark if the child's eyes are sensitive to light.
  • Use a vaporizer to relieve coughing.

Because measles is a viral disease, antibiotics cannot be used as a treatment.

Resources

Kronan, Kate (2005). Measles. Retrieved Sept. 6, 2007, from the Kids Health Web site: http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/measles.html.

Mayo Clinic Staff (2007). Measles. Retrieved Sept. 6, 2007, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/measles/DS00331.