Measles is lso known as rubeola and is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. The entire body is covered by a rash and flu-like symptoms appears, including a fever,
cough and runny nose. Since measles is caused by a virus there is no specific medical treatment and the virus has to run its course.
A sick person should rest and receive plenty of liquids.

Signs and symptomsMeasles is best known for the full body rash.The first symptoms of the infection areusually:

• Cough
• Runny nose
• High fever
• And red eyes

A feature of measles is Koplik’s spots. Theseare small red spots with a blue/white centrethat appear inside the mouth.The rash typically has a red or brownappearance and usually appears on theforehead first. It then spreads over the face,neck and then the body, down to the armsand legs.

Can measles be prevented?

Infants are usually protected from measles for 6 months after birth due to immunity passed on from their mothers. Older children should be vaccinated against measles according to state and school health regulations.

Generally the Measles-Mumps-Rubella immunization (MMR) is given at 12 to 15 months of age and again at 4 to 6 years.

Should there be a measles outbreak, the measles vaccine may be given to a child between 6 to 11 months, followed by the usual MMR vaccine.

When not to vaccinate? Pregnant women or children with untreated tuberculosis, leukemia or other cancers or people whose immune systems are suppressed for any reason.

During a measles outbreak people who have not been vaccinated, can be protected by an injection of measles antibodies called immune globulin. This should be given within 6 days of exposure. The antibodies can prevent or make the symptoms less severe.

Treatment

There is no specific medical treatment. Thesymptoms can be managed and last for about 2weeks.

• Ensure that the person receives:
• plenty of fluidsextra rest
• non-aspirin medication for the fever

Children with measles must be closelymonitored as measles can in some cases leadto other complications such as croup, diarrhoea,pneumonia and encephalitis (brain infection)which may require antibiotics or hospitalisation.

When to call the doctor?

A doctor should be called immediately if theperson

• Is an infant
• Is taking medication that suppresses theimmune system
• Has tuberculosis, cancer or a diseasethat affects the immune system