Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children but can also occur in unvaccinated adults. In this article, we'll discuss the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and prevention measures for measles in an easy-to-understand manner.
Measles is an infection caused by the measles virus, which lives in the mucus of the nose and throat. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by direct contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus can remain active on surfaces and in the air for up to 2 hours, making it highly contagious.
Measles symptoms typically appear in stages over a period of 2-3 weeks:
Incubation period (10-14 days): No visible symptoms
Initial symptoms (4-7 days):
High fever
Runny nose
Red eyes
Sore throat
Tiny white spots in the mouth (Koplik spots)
Rash (3-5 days):
Red, itchy rash starting at the hairline and spreading downward
Fever may spike up to 105°F or higher
An infected person is contagious for 8 days, starting 4 days before the rash appears and ending 4 days after the rash onset.
Measles is caused by the measles virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Risk factors for contracting measles include:
Being unvaccinated, especially young children and pregnant women
Traveling to areas with low vaccination rates
Living in a community with a high number of unvaccinated individuals
Having a vitamin A deficiency
Having a weakened immune system due to underlying conditions or medical treatments
There is no specific treatment for measles, as most drugs do not kill viruses. However, you can manage symptoms and prevent complications by:
Getting plenty of rest
Drinking fluids to stay hydrated
Taking fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (avoid giving aspirin to children)
Using a humidifier to ease breathing
Wearing sunglasses or dimming lights to relieve eye pain
Taking vitamin A supplements, especially for children with low vitamin A levels
If a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection or pneumonia, develops as a complication of measles, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective, with a 97% success rate after two doses. The recommended vaccination schedule for children is:
First dose: 12-15 months old
Second dose: 4-6 years old
Some individuals should not receive the MMR vaccine, including pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and those with certain allergies. If you cannot get the vaccine, take extra precautions to avoid exposure, such as:
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
Covering any cuts or broken skin
Avoiding touching your face
Not sharing utensils, napkins, or tissues with others
For more information on measles, consult the World Health Organization's measles fact sheet.
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