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Measles
Medical Questions » Measles
| Name: Measles |
| Also known as: Morbilli; Rubeola |
| Highly contagious Morbilli virus infection. |
Causes of Measles
Viral infection that is contagious from five days before the rash appears until it disappears. The incubation period is 10 to 14 days. |
Symptoms of Measles
Starts with the cold-like symptoms of a snuffly nose, cough and red eyes. A rash develops about four days later, starting in the mouth where tiny white spots appear on the lining of the cheeks. Dark red blotches then develop on the face and gradually spread across the body, remaining for a week or more before gradually fading. Other symptoms include a high fever and eye discomfort with bright lights. The patient often starts to feel better once the rash has reached its maximum spread. |
Tests for Measles
Diagnosis can be confirmed by blood tests if necessary. Previous exposure to the measles virus or vaccine can also be confirmed by blood tests. |
Treatment for Measles
No specific treatment. Rest, paracetamol and medication to relieve the cold symptoms. Vitamin A supplements appear to reduce the severity of an attack. May be prevented by vaccination which is usually given at one and five years of age in combination with the mumps and rubella (German measles) vaccine.
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Complications of Measles of its treatment
Include encephalitis (a serious brain infection), pneumonia, ear infections and damage, and possibly the increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis later in life. Immediately after an attack patients are susceptible to other infections, and a significant number will develop tonsillitis, ear and lymph node infections. |
Likely Outcome of Measles
Usually very good, but significant complications occur in one in every 200 cases, and death occurs in one in every 5000 cases in developed countries, while in third-world countries one in ten children or adults who catch measles will die. |
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