Overview
Definition
Measles, caused by a virus, is the most contagious vaccine-preventable disease.
Symptoms
- Fever, cough, runny nose, and watery inflamed eyes
- In the mouth - small red spots with white or bluish white centers
- Dusky red, blotchy rash that begins on the face and spreads all over the body
- Rash begins on 3rd to 7th day of illness and lasts 4 to 7 days
Causes
- The measles virus is spread through the air by droplets that have been coughed, sneezed, or breathed by an infected person.
- The measles virus can survive in small droplets in the air for several hours.
- The measles virus is also spread through direct contact with nose and throat secretions of an infected person.
Complications
- One out of 10 cases will have ear infections or pneumonia
- Measles encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) occurs in about 1 of every 1,000 cases and may result in permanent brain damage
- Death from respiratory and neurologic complications occurs in one out of 3,000 cases.
Tests and Diagnosis
A blood test is recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment and Drugs
Rest and treating the fever (if there is one).
Prevention
- Immunization with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the best way to prevent measles.
- All contacts of a measles case that have not had measles disease or 2 doses of measles vaccine in the past should receive measles vaccine within 72 hours of last exposure to the infected person.
- Immune globulin (a blood product containing measles antibodies) is available to prevent measles disease in people who are exposed to a case of measles but who are unable to be immunized with MMR for any reason.
- Wash hands well, especially after coughing and sneezing and before preparing foods or eating.
- Don’t share food, drinks, utensils, etc.
Last Updated: June 19, 2009
