Measles |
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DESCRIPTION
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Measles (ME-suls) is a viral infection that spreads very quickly to people who have never had the disease or a shot (vaccine). It infects the throat, airways, and lungs, as well as the skin. After being around someone with measles, it will take 1 to 2 weeks before you know whether you have it. The disease is also called rubeola (rue-be-O-luh).
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CAUSES
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Measles is caused by the rubeola virus. Your chances of getting the disease are greater if you have never had the measles shot (part of the MMR shot).
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SYMPTOMS
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The first symptoms are a high fever, loud coughing, runny nose, and red eyes. These are followed in 2 to 4 days by the appearance of tiny, white spots in the mouth and throat. A day or two after that, a rash breaks out on the forehead, then spreads around the ears and down onto the body. The rash lasts 4 to 7 days.
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CARE
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Antibiotics don't work against measles, but you can give acetaminophen to ease the fever. Call your child's school or daycare center right away and let them know that your child has the measles. For advance protection against measles, make sure all your children get MMR shots. If you or a child have been around someone with measles, ask your doctor about getting a gamma globulin shot.
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