Definition

Measles is an infection that spreads quickly. It causes a fever and rash. It was once common in children. It is now less common in the United States due to the use of the measles vaccine.

Measles Rash Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Measles is caused by a virus. It is spread by:

• Direct contact with nose or throat droplets of people who have measles, such as through kissing
• Through the air, such as through coughing and sneezing (less common)

Measles can be spread:

• 1 to 2 days before symptoms appear
• 3 to 5 days before the rash
• Up to 4 days after the rash

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

• Visiting places where measles is common
• Not getting the measles immunization

Symptoms

Measles symptoms start 10 to 12 days after exposure. They are:

• Fever, often high
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Pain
• Red eyes
• Hacking cough
• Sore throat
• Lack of energy
• Very small whitish spots inside the mouth
• Raised, itchy red to brownish rash

Symptoms improve 7 to 10 days from the start of the rash.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. This is enough to make the diagnosis.

Treatment

Measles is caused by a virus. It cannot be treated with antibiotics.

The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms until the virus passes. Choices are:

• Supportive care, such as gargling with warm salt water and drinking plenty of fluids
• Medicines to ease pain, such as acetaminophen

Prevention

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent measles. It comes as a single vaccine or with:

• Mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR)
• Mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine (MMRV)

Some people may be given a vaccine within 3 days of exposure. This can prevent or lessen symptoms.

Immune globulin may also be given to some unvaccinated people within 6 days of exposure. This is usually for infants and pregnant women.