Treating measles

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness. This means that the measles virus can easily be passed from one person to another if breathed in. If one person has measles, nine out of 10 people who aren’t immunised and come into close contact with that person will catch it.

Measles is still common in many developing countries; more than 20 million people get measles each year, and over 100,000 people died from measles in 2010 – mostly children under five.

Measles mostly affects children, but once you’ve had measles, you won’t get it again.

Symptoms of measles

The early symptoms of measles usually appear around 10 days after you become infected with the virus. However, symptoms may show as early as seven days after you catch the virus, or as late as 18 days. Your symptoms may last about six to 10 days and may include:

• a fever

• an eye infection with discharge (conjunctivitis)

• a runny nose

• a cough

• small, red spots with white centres inside your cheeks (Koplik spots)

• loss of appetite

• a sore throat

• abdominal (tummy) pain

A red, blotchy rash that isn’t itchy will usually appear three to five days after the first symptoms of measles. The rash generally spreads from your face and behind your ears, before spreading to rest of your body. This usually lasts about a week before fading.

These symptoms aren’t always caused by measles, but if you or your child has them, see a doctor.

If you or your child has measles, stay away from school, nursery or other children for four full days after the rash appears to stop passing the infection on to other children.

Complications of measles

Complications of measles including ear infections, pneumonia and diarrhoea are common.

Less common complications may include meningitis and inflammation of your lungs, liver and sinuses. About one in 200 children may get febrile convulsions (fits that occur with a high temperature).

Rare, but potentially fatal complications include the following.

• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The symptoms are similar to meningitis and include drowsiness, headaches, seizures, confusion and a dislike of light.

• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a complication that affects your nervous system and can occur months or even years after the initial measles infection. Symptoms include seizures, mental health problems and unusual behaviour.

Complications are more likely to occur in children under five and adults over 20. People who have a weakened immune system, such as those who have HIV/AIDS or illnesses such as leukaemia, are also more likely to get complications.

The number of otherwise healthy people who die from the complications of measles in developed countries is relatively low. However, in developing countries, up to one in four people with measles die from complications, especially if they aren’t getting enough nutrients to support their immune system.

If you’re pregnant and become infected with measles, the virus can result in miscarriage, premature birth of your baby or low birth weight when he or she is born.

Causes of measles

Measles is caused by a paramyxovirus. The virus is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplets of infected mucus or saliva in the air can then be breathed in by other people. If this happens, the measles virus may grow in cells in the back of your throat and your lungs.

You can also get measles if you're in close or direct contact with the nose or mouth of someone who has the virus. You're most likely to catch measles from someone who is in the early stages of infection until four days after their rash has appeared.

The measles virus can survive on surfaces for up to two hours and be passed on when you touch a surface and then touch your mouth or nose.

Diagnosis of measles

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. He or she may also ask you about your medical history.

Your doctor will usually be able to diagnose you with measles from your symptoms, especially by the type of rash you may have. However, he or she may do a saliva or blood test to confirm whether or not you have measles.

Measles is a notifiable disease in many countries. This means that if your doctor suspects you have measles, by law he or she has to report it to the health authorities. This is to ensure there are accurate records of how many people in the country are getting measles each year.

Treatment of measles

In healthy people, measles usually gets better on its own, although it can be very unpleasant. There is no specific treatment for measles, but there are things you can do to help yourself feel better.

Self-help

It’s important to get plenty of rest and drink enough fluids to stop you becoming dehydrated.

Medicines

Taking over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol (acetaminophen), may help to ease your symptoms. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have any complications, such as pneumonia.

If you don’t develop any complications, you will probably get better within two weeks.

Availability and use of different treatments may vary from country to country. Ask your doctor for advice on your treatment options.

Prevention of measles

The most effective way to protect against measles is immunisation with the measles vaccine. The measles vaccine is often combined with mumps and rubella vaccines (known as the MMR vaccine).

The World Health Organization recommends all children should have the MMR vaccine so that serious health problems aren’t caused by an outbreak of mumps, measles or rubella. See the Bupa factsheet on Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for more information.