What is Measles?

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Measles is a highly infectious, viral illness. Children are most often affected, although it can occur at any age. Although the illness is unpleasant, most people make a full recovery. However, in certain cases, serious complications can develop.

Vaccination programs have had a significant impact on reducing the number of measles cases.^[1] However, measles is still a common disease in many other countries.^[2]

The measles virus is contained in water droplets and most often spreads through the nose or mouth of an infected person. Physical contact, coughing, and sneezing are the most common causes of infection spreading.

People with measles typically experience flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose and coughing, fever, generally feeling unwell, and a gradual rash. The symptoms of measles usually get better within seven to 10 days.

Types of measles

There are two types of measles. Although they share some of the same symptoms, they are caused by different viruses:

• Standard measles, sometimes known as red measles, or hard measles, is caused by the rubeola virus.
• German measles, also known as rubella, is an entirely separate illness caused by the rubella virus and is usually a milder infection than standard measles.^[3] For more information, read this resource on rubella.

Symptoms of measles

Once an affected person has caught measles, the virus multiplies in the back of the throat and begins to spread gradually throughout the body.

It can take up to 10 days for an infected person to show symptoms. The most common early symptoms are: ^[4][5][6][7]

• Cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing and coughing
• A high temperature or fever
• Sore, red eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Grey-white spots inside the cheeks, mouth and throat
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Lack of appetite
• Aches and pains

Around three to four days after the first symptoms, a skin rash will typically appear. The rash is perhaps the most noticeable symptom of measles and is recognizable by:^[6][7][8]

• Red-brown spots, either flat or slightly raised, that may join together to form blotches
• Spots usually start on the head and neck and then gradually spread downwards through the rest of the body
• The rash may turn pale when pressed at first, but will gradually fade and become non-blanching (stays red when pressed)
• Slight itching

Generally, the rash takes two to three days to cover the body and then another few days to fade, beginning on the head and disappearing in the same order it appeared. As other symptoms begin earlier, affected people usually feel most unwell on the first or second day that the rash is present.

Symptoms of measles usually begin to appear on average around seven to 14 days after becoming infected.^[6] However, affected people are usually infectious from four days before to four days after the measles rash appears.^[4]

Overall, most people with measles feel better within seven to 10 days of first experiencing symptoms. On occasion, a dry cough may persist after all other symptoms have gone.^[8] Check your symptoms with the Adoctor conditions and symptoms.

During the measles infection, the immune system builds up a resistance to the virus. Therefore, it is improbable for anyone to have measles more than once in their lifetime.^[8]

Causes of measles

Measles is caused by a viral infection and is highly contagious. It is estimated that around 90 percent of unvaccinated people close to someone in the contagious phase of measles will also become infected.^[9]

Measles is transmitted similarly to colds and flu, i.e., breathing in the airborne water droplets coughed or sneezed out by an infected person. Although physical contact, coughing, and sneezing are the most common causes of infection spreading, it is also possible to contract measles simply by breathing in contaminated air or touching a contaminated surface and then breathing in the droplets.

The measles virus can live for up to two hours on surfaces and airspace.^[9]

Risk factors

Measles is very rare in countries that have a vaccination program. In recent decades, the number of measles cases in the United States has significantly declined due to introducing the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, the disease has not been completely eradicated. In 2017 there were 120 reported measles cases in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The majority of these cases were in unvaccinated people.^[10]

Unvaccinated people are at most risk of contracting measles, particularly people with a weakened immune system. Unvaccinated pregnant women should also be especially cautious. Pregnant women with measles may develop serious complications resulting in miscarriage or premature labor. ^[7] See more below.

Diagnosing measles

A doctor will usually look for a combination of characteristic symptoms such as a skin rash, fever, and cough to diagnose measles.

However, a blood or saliva test is the only way to confirm the diagnosis definitively.^[11] These tests check for Immunoglobulin M and Immunoglobulin G antibody levels, both of which may indicate the current or past presence of measles.^[12]

If measles is suspected, it is important to call the surgery and tell the staff when making a doctor’s appointment. Because measles is very contagious, it is common for medical professionals to ask initial questions over the phone to help them decide how likely the diagnosis of measles is and whether a trip to the surgery can be avoided. If an appointment with a doctor is necessary, the doctor may make special arrangements, such as a home visit, to reduce the risk of infecting other patients.^[13]

Contact your doctor if you are worried that you or someone you know may have measles. Find My doctor’s location at any time.

Treatment of measles

There are no specific medications used to treat measles. Because the disease is viral and not bacterial, antibiotics are not effective.

Instead, treatment for measles aims to manage and ease the symptoms until the body’s natural immune system can clear the infection. Symptoms usually improve within seven to 10 days. Typical treatment recommendations include:^[8][14][15]

• Plenty of bed rest to help boost the immune system
• Drinking lots of fluids such as water, fruit juices and herbal teas, to prevent dehydration and help ease a sore throat; alcohol and caffeine should be avoided
• Closing curtains and dimming lights to control sensitivity to light
• A humidifier or sitting in a steamy bathroom to help ease a cough or sore throat
• Ibuprofen and paracetamol/acetaminophen may be recommended to relieve fever and aches
• Vitamin A supplements may be recommended to people suffering from measles, particularly children, in order to lessen the severity of the condition and the risk of complications^[16]

Please note that ingesting a high amount of vitamin A can result in a condition called hypervitaminosis A, or vitamin A toxicity. This is usually the result of taking high-dose dietary supplements, so always discuss vitamin A supplementation with a doctor before starting.^[17]

Prevention of measles

The best precaution against measles is to be vaccinated against it.

Vaccinations

The MMR vaccine is the most common, immunizing against measles, mumps, and rubella. According to CDC, two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles, and a single dose is about 93 percent effective.^[1]

In countries with a vaccination program, the MMR vaccine is first administered to children around 12-15 months, with a second booster dose between four to six years old.[1] For babies traveling to countries with a high measles infection rate, the first dose of the vaccine may be given as early as six months old.^[18]

Adults can request the measles vaccine from their doctors if they have never been immunized.

A further vaccine called MMRV protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). Currently, this vaccine is only licensed for use in children aged between 12 months and 12 years old.^[1]

Travelling and the risk of measles

The measles virus remains common in many countries globally, particularly in Africa and Asia.[2] Measles outbreaks in the United States most often occur when returning travelers spread the disease to other unvaccinated people, contracting the illness in another country.^[19]

It is best to take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the measles virus when traveling internationally. The most important of these is to receive the MMR vaccination before traveling. Children can receive their first dose at six months old when traveling internationally. Other ways to help prevent illness include:^[20]

• Wash hands frequently, ideally with soap and water, or alternatively hand sanitizer
• Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue, not the hands, when coughing and sneezing
• Avoid contact with people who are sick, especially close contact such as kissing, hugging and sharing cooking or eating utensils
• Do not touch the eyes, nose or mouth unless hands are fully clean

Good to know: Always contact a doctor when feeling seriously unwell.

Side-effects of the MMR vaccine

The benefits of the MMR vaccine outweigh the risks, but side effects are possible. These commonly include:^[21]

• Aching, sore arm from the shot
• Short term, mild rash
• Temporary stiffness in the joints. Most commonly affects teenage and adult women
• Fever

Less common side effects include:^[21]

• Fits caused by fever, such as febrile seizures. These are rare and are not a sign of any long-term health problems
• A temporary low platelet count which affects the blood’s ability to clot. Again this is rare and usually goes away without treatment or any long-term issues
• Swelling of the glands in the cheeks, neck or jaw for a couple of days

In sporadic cases, a person may have a severe allergic reaction after a dose of the MMR vaccine. For this reason anyone who has had an allergic reaction to any vaccine component may be advised not to be vaccinated.[22] If there are any concerns about the MMR vaccine and allergies, it is essential to discuss these with a doctor.

Despite concerns that the MMR vaccine may cause autism spectrum disorders, multiple studies have shown no link between being vaccinated and developing autism.^[23]

Isolation

Due to how contagious the measles virus is, limiting the risk of spreading the infection to others is essential. Symptoms of measles usually begin to appear on average around seven to 14 days after first becoming infected.[6] However, affected people are usually infectious from four days before to four days after the measles rash appears.^[4]

For this reason, people with this condition should stay home from the moment symptoms begin to appear until four days after the rash disappears.^[9]

They should notify friends, family, co-workers, classmates, carers, and teachers if they have come into contact with someone who has measles during the infectious period. It is important if they are a vulnerable person.

Contact with vulnerable people such as young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems should be minimal.

Complications of measles

In most cases, people with the measles virus make a full recovery after around seven to 10 days and will experience no further complications. However, serious complications which can be life-threatening do occur.

Measles complications can happen at any age but are more likely to occur in certain groups of people, such as:^[8][11]

• Children younger than five years old
• Children who have a poor diet or are malnourished
• Children with a weakened immune system, such as those with leukaemia or HIV
• Adults older than 20 years of age
• Pregnant women

Common complications

There are a number of common complications that may arise from measles, such as:^[24][25][26]

• Vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration
• Eye infection, conjunctivitis
• Ear infection, otitis media, which can lead to earache
• Inflammation of the voice box, laryngitis

While these symptoms can be distressing, they are not usually serious. However, affected people should see a doctor if they are concerned.

Uncommon complications

More uncommon complications from measles may include:^[24][25][26]

• A squint, if the measles virus affects the nerves or muscles of the eye
• Fits caused by fever, such as febrile seizures
• Inflammation of the liver, known as hepatitis
• Infection of the airways and lungs, such as pneumonia, bronchitis or croup, which can be very serious

Rare complications

In rare cases, measles can lead to:^{[27][28][29][30]}

• Serious eye disorders such as infection of the optic nerve, which can lead to blindness
• Infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, such as viral meningitis
• Inflammation of the brain, or encephalitis, affects roughly 1-3 out of every 1,000 cases
• Central nervous system disease known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) which can develop several years after contracting measles. This disease can be fatal but is extremely rare, occurring in roughly two per 100,000 cases

If any concerning symptoms develop, always contact a doctor.

Measles and pregnancy

Pregnant women who contract measles have an increased risk of developing severe complications, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature labor.^[31]

The CDC guidelines recommend administering the MMR vaccine to unvaccinated women no less than a month before becoming pregnant.[32] The MMR vaccine protects against measles and mumps, and rubella. Rubella can also cause severe problems during pregnancy, including congenital disabilities, miscarriage, and stillbirth.^[21]

Good to know: Women planning a pregnancy should discuss vaccination options with their doctor.

Measles FAQs

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1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Measles Vaccination.”. 5 February 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

2. World Health Organisation. “Measles and Rubella Surveillance Data.”. 17 September 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩ ↩

3. eMedicineHealth. “Measles.”. 17 August 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

4. Patient Info. “Measles.”. 3 February 2015. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩

5. Medline Plus. “Measles.”. 15 August 2016. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Measles: Signs and Symptoms.”. 5 February 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

7. World Health Organisation. “Measles.”. 19 February 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩

8. Patient Info. “Measles.”. 9 March 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Transmission of Measles.”. 5 February 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩

10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Measles Cases and Outbreaks.”. 23 October 2018. Accessed 25 October 2018. ↩

11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Measles (Rubeola): For Healthcare Professionals.”. 5 February 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩ ↩

12. Mayo Clinic. “Measles (Rubeola) Virus Antibody, IgM and IgG (Separate Determinations), Serum.”. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Frequently Asked Questions about Rubeola in the U.S.”. 5 February 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

14. Mayo Clinic. “Diagnosis and Treatment.”. 7 September 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

15. eMedicineHealth. “What Is the Treatment for Measles?”. 17 August 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

16. National Center for Biotechnology information. “Vitamin A for treating measles in children.”. 19 October 2005. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

17. Office of Dietary Supplements. “Can vitamin A be harmful?”. 5 June 2013. Accessed 19 September 2018. ↩

18. World Health Organisation. “International Travel and Health: Measles.”. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Measles (Rubeola): For Travelers.”. 5 February 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

20. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Travelers’ Health: Measles.”. 11 May 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

21. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Safety.”. 27 October 2015. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩

22. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) Vaccine Information Statement.”. 11 July 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

23. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism.”. 27 October 2015. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

24. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Complications of Measles.”. 5 February 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩ ↩

25. Mayo Clinic. “Symptoms and Causes.”. 7 September 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩ ↩

26. Patient Info. “What are the possible complications of measles?”. 9 March 2018. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩ ↩

27. World Health Organisation. ”The child, measles and the eye.”. 2004. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

28. Meningitis Research Foundation. “What causes viral meningitis?”. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

29. Encephalitis Society. “Measles infection and encephalitis.”. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

30. Encephalitis Society. “Subacute sclerosing pan-encephalitis (SSPE).”. February 2017. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

31. National Center for Biotechnology information. “Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.”. June 2012. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

32. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Maternal Vaccines: Part of a Healthy Pregnancy.”. 5 August 2016. Accessed 17 September 2018. ↩

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**What is Measles?**



Measles, also known‍ as rubeola, is ‍a highly ⁤contagious ‍viral⁢ disease that primarily affects ⁣children.⁢ It is characterized by a ⁤distinctive rash,‌ as well as fever,‌ cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.



**Symptoms**



* ⁢**Rash:** A⁤ blotchy, red rash that typically ‌starts on⁣ the face and spreads over⁣ the body.

*‌ **Fever:** High fever, often​ over 104°F (40°C).

*​ **Cough:** Dry, ⁢hacking cough.

* **Runny nose:** Clear, ‍watery ⁤discharge.

* **Red, watery eyes:** Conjunctivitis ​(pink eye).

* **Other symptoms:** Koplik’s spots⁣ (small, ​white⁢ spots on the inside of ​the mouth).



**Transmission**



Measles is spread through the air when an⁣ infected person ⁤coughs or​ sneezes. It is a‌ highly contagious disease, and the virus ​can be transmitted even by⁢ people who have ‍not developed symptoms yet.



**Complications**



Measles can lead⁤ to serious complications,‍ including:



* **Pneumonia:** Infection of the lungs.

* **Encephalitis:** Inflammation of the brain.

* ⁢**Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE):** A rare, fatal degenerative brain disorder that can occur years‌ after⁣ the⁣ initial infection.



**Prevention**



Measles is a vaccine-preventable⁢ disease. The measles ⁤vaccine is highly‍ effective, and ‌two ‌doses provide⁢ nearly 100% protection against the ​disease. The vaccine is given as part‍ of the routine childhood immunization schedule.



**Treatment**



There is no specific treatment for⁤ measles. Treatment is supportive and focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. ​This includes:



* Rest and fluids.

* Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers.

* Antibiotics for any secondary infections, such ⁤as pneumonia.



**Diagnosis**



Measles is typically​ diagnosed based⁣ on‍ symptoms⁣ and ⁢a physical examination.‌ A blood test can confirm ​the diagnosis.



**Prognosis**



Most ‌people with measles recover completely within 2-3 ​weeks. However, complications can be serious, and in rare cases, can be fatal.