It was a sunny afternoon, and I had just returned from a short walk in the neighbourhood when I received a text from Amara’s mother. Amara, a bright six-year-old I had seen the week before, had come into the clinic looking utterly miserable—feverish, coughing, and with red, watery eyes. Her mother had been worried about a blotchy rash spreading across her face and body.
“Dr. Priya, the rash is fading now,” her text read, “but I’m still so shaken about how sick she was. I can’t believe how serious measles can get. Thank you for all your advice.”
As I reread her message, I thought back to Amara’s case. Her symptoms had started innocently enough, resembling a cold. By the time her rash appeared, her mother had been overwhelmed with guilt for delaying Amara’s vaccination. It was a reminder of how quickly measles can progress and the importance of prevention.
If you’re a parent or caregiver, here’s everything you need to know about measles, from its symptoms to treatment and prevention.
What is Measles?
Image courtesy CDC
“Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus,” I had explained to Amara’s mother that day. “While many people think it’s just a childhood illness, it can lead to serious complications, even in otherwise healthy kids.”
Measles spreads so easily that even brief contact with an infected person can lead to transmission. For this reason, health authorities emphasize the importance of immunization to protect communities and prevent outbreaks.
What Are the Symptoms of Measles?
Amara’s symptoms had followed the textbook progression of measles, which I broke down for her mother:
- Day 1 to 3:
Amara had been miserable, showing symptoms of what seemed like a heavy cold—fever, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a dry, hacking cough. - Day 3:
Tiny white spots appeared inside her mouth. “These are called Koplik’s spots,” I explained. “They look like grains of salt on a red background and are a telltale sign of measles.” - Day 4 to 5:
A blotchy red rash appeared, starting behind her ears. It quickly spread to her face, down to her neck, and eventually to her body and limbs. - Day 6:
By this point, the rash had begun to fade, leaving behind a faint pinkish stain.
“If there’s no cough, red eyes, or rash, it’s unlikely to be measles,” I had said. “The diagnosis can be confirmed with a blood test if needed.”
How Does Measles Spread?
I remembered the concern in Amara’s mother’s voice when I explained how easily measles spreads.
“It’s one of the most contagious diseases,” I said. “It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or even touching contaminated surfaces. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes.”
I went on to explain the timeline:
- Incubation period: Measles symptoms typically appear 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
- Contagious period: A person with measles is infectious from about 5 days before the rash appears to 5 days after it starts fading.
“This is why outbreaks spread so quickly,” I said. “Even people who don’t realize they’re sick can pass it on.”
What Are the Risks of Measles?
Amara’s mother had asked, “Is measles always this bad, or was Amara just unlucky?”
“Most children recover fully,” I reassured her, “but measles can lead to complications, some of which are very serious.”
1. Common Complications
- Ear infections: These are particularly common in young children with measles.
- Pneumonia: A leading cause of measles-related deaths, especially in younger children.
2. Rare but Severe Complications
- Encephalitis: This is inflammation of the brain, which can lead to permanent brain damage or death.
- Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE): A rare but fatal condition that can develop years after the initial infection.
“Because of these risks,” I added, “immunization is a major public health priority.”
What is the Treatment for Measles?
Amara’s mother had asked the same question every parent does: “What can I do to help her recover?”
“There’s no specific cure for measles,” I explained, “but we can manage the symptoms and prevent complications.”
Here’s the plan I shared with her:
- Rest: “Amara should rest in a quiet room, away from bright lights, which can worsen her eye discomfort.”
- Fever management: I recommended tepid sponging and paracetamol to bring down her fever.
- Hydration: “Make sure she drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated,” I said.
- Cough relief: For her persistent cough, I suggested a linctus to soothe her throat.
“If complications like pneumonia or ear infections develop,” I added, “antibiotics may be prescribed, but they don’t treat the virus itself.”
School Exclusion
Amara’s mother had asked when it would be safe for her to return to school.
“Children with measles should stay home until they’ve fully recovered and for at least 5 days after the rash first appears,” I said. “This helps protect other kids from getting sick.”
What Should You Do If Measles is Suspected?
If you think your child might have measles, here’s what you should do:
- Contact your doctor: Notify your doctor if you notice symptoms like:
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Difficulty breathing
- Unusual drowsiness
- Convulsions
- Inform the school or daycare: Let them know so they can take precautions to prevent further spread.
How Can Measles Be Prevented?
Amara’s case had reminded me how vital vaccination is in preventing measles.
Vaccination
“The MMR vaccine,” I explained, “protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. It’s given at 12 months and again before school entry, usually at 4 to 5 years of age.”
Amara’s mother had been hesitant about vaccines, which is why Amara had been unprotected. “I didn’t realize it was this serious,” she had said, tears in her eyes.
“It’s okay,” I said gently. “You’re not alone in feeling unsure, but vaccination is the best way to protect both Amara and the community.”
Herd Immunity
“When most people are vaccinated,” I added, “it’s harder for the virus to spread, which protects vulnerable individuals, like babies or people with weakened immune systems.”
“And remember,” I emphasized, “the measles vaccine is free, so there’s no reason to delay.”
Key Takeaways About Measles
Before she left, I summarized the key points for Amara’s mother:
- Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing, and close contact.
- Symptoms include fever, cough, red eyes, and a blotchy rash that spreads from the face to the body.
- There’s no specific cure, but supportive care can help manage symptoms.
- Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles and protect both your child and the community.
“Amara’s doing much better now,” I added. “With proper care, she’ll recover fully, but it’s important to stay vigilant.”
FAQs About Measles
1. How long does measles last?
Most people recover within 7–10 days after the rash appears.
2. Can adults get measles?
Yes, adults who are unvaccinated or haven’t had measles before can catch it.
3. Is measles contagious before symptoms appear?
Yes, people with measles are contagious for about 5 days before and after the rash appears.
4. What should I do if my child is exposed to measles?
Contact your doctor immediately. A vaccine or immunoglobulin injection may help prevent infection if given within 72 hours of exposure.
