What is measles (Rubeola)? Is it dangerous? What should parents do if their child has measles?
A father brought his 4-year-old daughter to the clinic because she had developed red rashes all over her body for the past 3–4 days. The rash was mildly itchy and first appeared around her hairline and face before spreading to her body, arms, and legs. She also had fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
After doctor taking a detailed history and performing a physical examination, the doctor diagnosed her with “Measles”, a highly contagious viral illness that often spreads during outbreaks, especially among young children who are not fully vaccinated.
What is Measles?
Measles is a contagious disease caused by a virus known as the Rubeola virus. It is one of the common causes of fever with rash in children.
A typical feature of measles is the presence of fever together with clear respiratory symptoms such as:
- Persistent cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Sore or red mouth and throat
In the early stage, the rash appears as red spots or patches. As the illness improves, the rash may become darker, turning reddish-brown before fading completely.
Measles is commonly seen in young children who have not received measles vaccination. It is most frequently found in children aged 1–6 years, although infants as young as 6–9 months old can also become infected, especially during outbreaks.
How does measles spread?
Measles spreads very easily from person to person through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
A child can become infected by:
- Breathing in airborne droplets
- Having close contact with an infected person
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose, mouth or eyes
Importantly:
- The virus can remain in the air and on surfaces for several hours.
- A person with measles can spread the virus even before the rash appears, usually about 4 days before until 4 days after the rash starts.
What are the symptoms of Measles?
Symptoms usually appear about 7–14 days after exposure to the virus.
Common symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Fatigue and poor appetite
- Red rash starting from the face and spreading downward
What should parents do if their child has Measles?
- Bring your child to see a doctor for proper diagnosis.
- Ensure your child gets plenty of rest.
- Encourage adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
- Give fever medication such as paracetamol as advised by your doctor.
- Avoid sending your child to school or daycare to prevent spreading the infection.
How can Measles be prevented?
The best prevention is vaccination.
The measles vaccine is usually given as part of the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine). Completing the recommended vaccination schedule greatly reduces the risk of infection and severe complications.
Other preventive measures include:
- Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
- Practicing good hand hygiene
- Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Keeping infected children isolated during the contagious period
Tel/WA : 017-215 3096
Address : 81, Jalan Rambai 12, Taman Kota Masai, 81700 Pasir Gudang, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Open everyday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
