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Measles

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Measles

(Rubeola)

Definition

Measles is an infection that spreads quickly. It causes a fever and rash. It was once common in children. It is now less common in the United States due to the use of the measles vaccine.

Measles Rash.

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Nucleus factsheet imagehttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=48724872si55551280_ma.jpgsi55551280_ma.jpgNULLjpgRash all over face, neck - womenNULL\\filer01a\Intellect\images\si55551280_ma.jpgNULL6NULL2004-04-14254390Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Measles is caused by a virus. It is spread by:

  • Direct contact with nose or throat droplets of people who have measles, such as through kissing
  • Droplets traveling through the air, such as with coughs or sneezes—this is less common

Measles can be spread:

  • 1 to 2 days before symptoms appear
  • 3 to 5 days before the rash appears
  • Up to 4 days after the rash appears

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of measles are:

  • Going to places where measles is common
  • Not getting the measles vaccine

Symptoms

Measles symptoms start 10 to 12 days after being exposed to the virus. They are:

  • Fever, often high
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Pain
  • Red eyes
  • Hacking cough
  • Sore throat
  • Lack of energy
  • Very small whitish spots inside the mouth
  • Raised, itchy red to brownish rash

Symptoms get better 7 to 10 days from the start of the rash.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. This is enough to make the diagnosis.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms until the virus passes. Since measles is caused by a virus it cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Ways to manage symptoms include:

  • Supportive care, such as gargling with warm salt water and drinking plenty of fluids
  • Medicines to ease pain, such as acetaminophen

Prevention

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent measles. It comes as a single vaccine or with:

Some people may be given a vaccine within 3 days of exposure. This can prevent or lessen symptoms.

Immune globulin may also be given to some unvaccinated people within 6 days of exposure. This is often for infants and pregnant women.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Measles. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/measles.
  • Measles (rubeola). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/measles-rubeola.htm.
  • Measles. World Health Organization website. Available at: https://www.who.int/health-topics/measles#tab=tab_1.
  • Moss, W.J. Measles. Lancet, 2017; 390 (10111): 2490-2502.

Contributors

  • James P. Cornell, MD
Last Updated:
2023-08-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.