What is measles?

Measles is a very infectious illness which mostly affects children. It is caused by a virus called paramyxovirus. It is spread from child to child by coughing, sneezing or sometimes kissing.

What are the symptoms?

Ten to 14 days after infection with the virus, symptoms will begin to show. Initially they include: fever, weakness, loss of appetite and sticky or itchy eyes. The child's nose may be blocked and he or she may lose their voice, have a hacking cough and find bright light unpleasant.

By the third day, tiny white/blue spots will appear on the inside of the mouth. They may have a fine red circle around them. They are called Koplik's spots.

Following this, a blotchy red rash appears. The rash usually starts behind the ears, and then spreads to the face, the body and then to the arms and legs.

What is the treatment?

As measles is caused by a virus, treatment with antibiotics will be of no use. However, antibiotics may be offered if your child develops a bacterial infection (like pneumonia) as a result of having measles.

Keep your child in bed or resting quietly on the couch. As he or she will be infectious for around 10 days, do not invite other children to play or visit.

Offer plenty of clear drinks throughout the day - especially if he or she has a temperature. Don't worry if your child does not feel like eating, this is normal, however, it is very important to keep them drinking.

Cough

If the cough is dry (not coughing up any phlegm) and is causing your child distress, you could try using cough mixture  - Note: cough medicine is not to be used in children under two years old; check with your pharmacist or doctor about use in older children, and ask for advice re an appropriate product). 

You may find that he or she gets good relief from the cough by sitting in a steamy room. This can be done simply by using a vaporiser, a special machine, which produces a fine, moist mist. They can be bought at pharmacies. However, sitting in the bathroom (with the doors and windows closed) while the shower is running can also be effective. Do not leave a young child unattended when doing this.

Fever

Paracetamol will help to reduce the fever and control headaches. Follow the instructions on the bottle carefully and do not give more than the recommended dose for the age of the child. When your child has a fever, dress him or her lightly, and cover only with a sheet. If he or she feels cold and shaky, cover them up until the shakes stop and they feel comfortable, then remove the clothes and blankets again.

Close all the curtains in the room, and let them lie quietly in the dark if the light hurts their eyes.

Sticky eyes

Wash sticky or itchy eyes with a mixture of previously boiled water (500ml) and salt (1 tsp). Use disposable eye make-up pads or a very clean flannel to do this. If the sticky pus around the eyes turns green or dark yellow/cream, take your child to the doctor as he or she may have developed a bacterial infection and require antibiotics.

Take or return your child to the doctor

In some children (or adults) measles can cause very serious illness - like pneumonia or encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Take or return your child to hospital if they:

• are having trouble breathing
• are complaining of a stiff neck
• are very drowsy or you can not wake them up
• are coughing up green or yellow thick sputum or are complaining of pain in their back
• are complaining that they have sore ears
• have a fit
• have not passed urine for 10 hours
• are under a year old or have other chronic health problems.

Preventing measles

A vaccine against measles is available free to all children in New Zealand. It is usually given at 15 months and again at the age of 4 to 5 years. If an outbreak occurs, some children may also be offered a 'booster' dose. The measles vaccine is given in combination with the mumps and rubella vaccine.

Your child will be infectious from five days before the rash appears to five days after it goes. He or she must be kept away from other children during this time. For further information and support talk to your doctor or practice nurse. Contact the public health nurse - attached to your child's school or preschool.

More information on immunisation

Contact:
Immunisation Advisory Centre
Auckland University
Phone: 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863)
website: www.immune.org.nz

Also see our topic on Childhood immunisation

Written by Anna Mickell RCpN. Reviewed by everybody. Updated April 2009