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Measles is caused by a virus that is spread by droplets. The virus is passed on through direct contact with someone who's
infected, for example by touching or kissing them, or through breathing in contaminated air. It's fairly easy to catch if
you haven't been vaccinated and come into contact with someone who has the infection, which is why epidemics often occur among
schoolchildren. The infectious period is from four days before the rash to four days after it's appeared. Unfortunately, it's
most infectious before the rash appears so people tend to spread the virus before they realise they have it, it is best to
inform anyone who has been in contact with the child in this period that they have measles, as people of any age can get it.
It's most common among those aged between one and four, all children who have not been vaccinated are at risk from measles,
and those who have problems with their immune system may have a more severe case of measles.
Symptoms
The symptoms take about ten to 14 days to develop after exposure to the virus, the early symptoms are like a cold, with
runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis and fever, a few of days later, tiny white spots surrounded by red may develop on the inside
lining of the cheeks, so they are difficult to see. The measles rash appears a day or two later, starting behind the ears
or on the face and spreading down across the body. It's a fine red rash which becomes blotchy and confluent, it fades after
three to four days and should be completely gone after a week or so.
The infection isn't usually serious but there are potential complications that can be fatal, even for otherwise healthy
children. These are rare but include otitis media, pneumonia, hepatitis, conjunctivitis and encephalitis (inflammation of
the brain). Encephalitis or inflammation of the brain may develop a few days after the rash has appeared, and a quarter of
those who get this complication will be left with brain damage and a devastating but extremely rare illness called sub acute
sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). This progressive illness may develop many years after the first bout of measles and is
eventually fatal. Fortunately, it's very rare, occurring in fewer than one in 100,000 cases.
Treatment
It is important to see your doctor to confirm the diagnosis as although rare, complications can be very dangerous. In most
cases children may be treated at home with pain and fever-reducing syrups such as Calpol, always check it is the right product
for your child age and they should be encouraged to drink fluids. Very rarely hospital treatment, with antiviral drugs, may
be needed in more serious cases. .
Vaccination
Children in the UK are offered vaccination against measles as part of the MMR vaccine, which is given to them between 12
and 15 months of age (with a booster dose before they start school). For more info on injections click here
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