Common Illnesses & Injuries

Measles

Measles is a viral infection that causes a rash, a high fever, and a cough. One out of 10 children who catch measles will have an ear infection or pneumonia. A sore throat may occur. Other more serious complications include inflammation of the brain, convulsions, and death. The disease spreads when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others. Although immunization is recommended nationwide, thousands of children get measles each year in the United States because they have not been vaccinated.

The child is contagious for up to four days before the symptoms appear and until the fever and rash are gone. During the period for eight to 12 days after exposure, there will probably be no symptoms. After that, the child may show cold-like symptoms including a dry cough, runny nose, red and swollen eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, and fever that may run as high as 103 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

A red rash usually develops two to four days after the beginning of the illness. Typically, it begins on the face and neck, then spreads down the trunk and out to the arms and legs. The rash lasts five to eight days. As it fades, it may peel off in small flakes. If the child is listless, has continued high fever, or seizures, your pediatrician should be called. Treatment is focused on relieving the child's discomfort.

Self care includes the following:

Ease the cold-like symptoms by adding moisture to the air with a vaporizer (Nose drops, cough medicine, and cool sponge baths may be used to decrease congestion, cough, and temperature.)
Keep the child away from anyone not immune to the illness, especially pregnant women
Make sure the child drinks plenty of fluids
Give acetaminophen to control fever
Relieve itching by applying calamine lotion, corn starch solution, oatmeal, baking soda, or cool water

Dim bright lights if the child’s eyes are sensitive

Immunity against measles comes with having had the disease or with vaccination to prevent it. Children should receive the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) series of two shots with one given between 12 to 15 months, and one between four to six years. Children or adults who have not had measles or been vaccinated should contact their healthcare provider.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have set up several hotlines that provide immunization information by phone, fax, or mail. Call 1-800-CDC-SHOT. Their National Immunization Information Hotline number is 1-800-232-2522 for English, or 1-800-232-0233 for Spanish.