Understanding Measles
What is it? Measles is a highly contagious virus that is spread through droplets in the air or contact with someone else
How to Stop the Spread - Know that:
- It can take 7-14 days after exposure for symptoms to develop
- A child is contagious 4 days before the onset of signs and symptoms and 4 days after the rash develops
Common Symptoms
- Fever and Rash
- The rash is most commonly a deep, red, blotchy, flat rash that starts on the face and spreads down the whole body. The rash starts as small distinct lesions, which then combine into one big rash after a few days
- The “3 C’s”
- Cough
- Coryza (which means a runny nose)
- Conjunctivitis (redness to the white part of the eyeball)
How to Treat
- Immunization is the #1 way to prevent measles, which is highly contagious - up to 6 times more contagious than COVID-19 and spread through the air.
- In some cases, a special immunoglobulin or prophylaxis MMR shot may be helpful, which is why identifying exposure and symptoms of measles promptly and speaking to a medical professional in a timely manner is important!
- Unlike COVID-19 the complications of measles for children are much more common and much more debilitating, and include pneumonia, meningitis, hearing loss, and death.
-Seek Medical Care
📱 Call your Pediatrician and go for an in visit appointment after giving them a heads up by phone.
When to Manage at Home
- Measles should only be managed at home after you confirm your child’s diagnosis and have reviewed with your medical provider the signs and symptoms that would require being hospitalized.
- ⚠️ As measles is very contagious, positive children should not come in contact with the following:
- Pregnant women (as measles in pregnant women can cause birth defects)
- Those who are immunocompromised
- Unimmunized persons
- Infants under 2 years
Medications
- Vitamin A should only be used if dosing is approved by a medical provider; too much can cause toxicity, since it is a fat soluble vitamin, which means the body stores excess in fat tissue instead of clearing it through the kidneys like water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C.
- Motrin and Tylenol can be used to treat the fever
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child is:
- Persistent high fever (≥104°F)
- Lethargy or altered mental status
- Signs of respiratory distress
- Seizures
- Worsening rash with bruising or petechiae
- Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration
*If you think your child has measles please tell the sign in desk immediately when you arrive at the Emergency Room or Medical Office before proceeding into the check in area*
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
