Measles Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention: What Parents Need to Know

Most parents today have never seen a case of measles thanks to widespread vaccination. But with today’s lower vaccination rates and outbreaks in areas of the U.S., measles is making a comeback. The following answers to common questions about measles can help you recognize and respond to this infectious disease.

Measles is one of the most contagious childhood illnesses.

Because it spreads through coughing, sneezing or breathing contaminated air, measles is one of the most contagious childhood illnesses. In fact, it takes a very low dose of the virus — just a few tiny droplets — to contract it. These droplets can stay in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the room. People with the measles virus can be contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the measles rash appears.

Is measles a serious illness?

Measles can be serious — nearly 1 in 3 people who contract measles will have some sort of complication.

While many cases of measles are minor, about 30% of people with measles will end up with some sort of complication while or after having the illness.  Children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 20 have a higher risk of more severe symptoms and hospitalization due to measles.

Measles complications range from mild to life-threatening, and include:

• Ear infection
• Bronchitis and pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
• Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis or SSPE (rare but fatal neurological condition, can occur years after infection)
• Hemorrhagic measles (can cause seizures, delirium, difficulty breathing and bleeding under the skin)
• Blood-clotting disorders (increases risk of strokes, heart attacks, excessive bleeding)

The most common complications are respiratory, including bronchitis and secondary pneumonia. These are typically treated with antibiotics and may require hospitalization. Keep in mind that delayed neurological complications can occur 7 to 10 years after having measles.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles symptoms include fever, cold-like symptoms, rash, diarrhea and lack of appetite.

A case of measles can last for over a week and can be contagious for about 8 days. Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. It typically starts with cold-like symptoms — runny nose, cough, fever and red, watery eyes. A few days later, a rash can develop that starts around the neck and spreads. Possible symptoms include:

• Fever that gradually rises to 103°-105° Fahrenheit
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Pink eye
• Tiny white spots with bluish centers inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
• Measles rash with red spots that are often raised in the center
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite

Symptoms progress in stages, and a person may feel worse at different times during the illness.

How can I prevent the spread of measles in my home?

Quarantine sick people and wear a mask around them.

When one person in a household has measles, it’s very common for it to spread to others, especially those without immunity. To prevent measles from spreading in your household, keep someone with measles symptoms away from anyone who is not sick. Wear a mask when you are around the person with measles symptoms. Wash your hands frequently and clean and disinfect shared surfaces.

How can I protect my children from measles?

Measles vaccination is the best protection.

Following the measles vaccination schedule is the best way to prevent measles in children. The first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is given at 12 to 15 months of age and is 93-95% effective. The second dose of the MMR vaccine (between 4 and 6 years old) increases effectiveness to 97-98%.

What should I do if I think my child has measles?

Call your pediatrician, get tested and stay home.

If you think your child has measles, call your pediatrician. Measles symptoms can be similar to other viruses, so you need a measles test to confirm if you have it. It is important to keep the child with measles home and away from others to prevent it from spreading.

How is measles treated?

There’s no treatment for measles but you can treat the symptoms.

There is no cure for measles. Because it is a virus, antibiotics are not a treatment option. Your body has to fight the virus on its own. Measles symptoms can be treated, for example using over-the-counter medicines to reduce fever and pain. It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids, rest and watch closely for complications. Always talk to your doctor before giving your child any prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements.

Can I get measles twice?

No. Once you’ve had measles or the measles vaccine, your body develops lifelong immunity.