Measles (rubeola) questions and answers for parents and caregivers [2010]

For Parents & Caregivers

What is measles? Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious vac- How long is a child with measles

cine-preventable disease caused by a virus. contagious?

A child with measles is contagious from four

What are the symptoms of measles? days before to four days after rash onset.

Measles typically begins with a fever, fol-

lowed by cough, runny nose, and/or red, wa- How long can a child have measles?

tery eyes. After 2-7 days, the fever peaks and a rash appears at the hairline and spreads progressively downward covering the face, neck, trunk, and extremities. The rash lasts 5-6 days, and fades in the same order it appears.

Generally, the fever resolves after 2 to 4 days, and the rash resolves in 5 to 6 days. The length of recovery depends on whether other complications are associated with the illness.

Is there a treatment for measles?

Who gets measles?

Treatment for measles is mainly supportive.

Children who have never received a mea- Children with measles need bedrest, fluids,

sles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine or who and control of fever. Children with complica-

are not up-to-date on their MMR have the tions need specific treatment and should be

highest risk of contracting measles. Particu- under the care of a physician.

larly, children less than 12 months of age,

who are not old enough to receive MMR, and Are there tests available to diag-

immunocompromised persons have an increased risk.

nose measles? Yes. Your physician can perform tests to

Can a child who had measles get measles again?

confirm the diagnoses of measles. Blood, urine and/or throat samples can be tested for measles. Results are most accurate if testing

No. Permanent immunity is acquired after occurs during the beginning stages of the

getting the disease.

disease.

What complications are associated Is there a vaccine for measles?

with measles?

Yes, a vaccine for measles is available. It is

Complications from measles are more common among children less than 5 yrs. of age and adults 20 yrs. of age and older and are highest in infants, unimmunized pregnant

recommended that all children be routinely vaccinated between 12 and 18 months of age and receive a second dose between 4 and 6 yrs. of age.

women, and immunocompromised persons.

Diarrhea, middle ear infection, and pneumo- If my child is exposed to measles,

nia are the most commonly reported compli- what should I do?

cations. More severe, but less common com- If you think your child has been exposed to

plications include inflammation of the brain measles contact your doctor immediately. If

(encephalitis), seizures and death.

your child has not been vaccinated, measles

vaccine may prevent disease if given within 3

How is measles spread?

days after exposure. Immune globulin (IG)

Measles is spread by air-borne droplets

may prevent or modify disease and provide

when an infected person coughs or sneezes. temporary protection if given within 6 days of

exposure in persons who cannot have the

vaccine.

For Parents & Caregivers

Is it okay to take my child to public places (i.e. grocery store, daycare, playground)? If your child has been diagnosed with measles you should avoid taking him or her to public places until the disease has resolved (approximately 4 days after rash onset). All contact with unimmunized children, immunocompromised persons and pregnant women should be avoided.
Note: Call your physician's office ahead of time to inform them that you are bringing in a child that has possibly been exposed to measles or has measles. This will allow the office to take precautions to assure no other children are exposed.
How can measles be prevented? Routine vaccination is the best way to prevent measles. However, additional steps to prevent the spread of disease may include:
Avoid close contact with others who are coughing or ill
Wash hands often Cover coughs and
sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve