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Measles

Measles is the most contagious virus we know of. Fortunately, an effective vaccine is available. This has dramatically reduced the number of measles infections in the United States. But for children traveling internationally or those too young for vaccination, it’s important to know:

  • How to prevent your child from getting infected
  • What to do if you think your child has been exposed to someone with measles
  • Symptoms and treatment for measles

At UVA Health Children’s, our pediatricians can help you protect your family from the measles in several ways.

Vaccination Is the Only Preventive

At 12 months and 4 years, your child should get the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) as part of their regular vaccination schedule. This vaccine is 93% effective after 1 dose and 97% effective after 2 doses. For most people, this immunity lasts for life.

Your pediatrician will talk to your family about vaccination at your child’s regular health checkup. Make sure to ask them about any lingering concerns or questions you have. Our pediatricians want you to feel confident in making the best choices for your children’s long-term health.

Dad and young child sit together at the airport

For International Travelers

If you’re traveling internationally, your child’s doctor may advise vaccinating them early. This “bonus dose” will keep them safe while abroad. They will still need both regular vaccinations for lifetime immunity. We can also talk to you about what to watch out for, how to get help, and other diseases you may need to be aware of based on your destination.

Measles Exposure

Unfortunately, sometimes a child is exposed to measles before they have been vaccinated. If your family finds itself in this situation, contact your pediatrician as soon as possible.

If your child has been exposed, a special immunoglobulin (IG) treatment is available. This treatment provides your child with antibodies that can fight off the virus. Unlike the vaccine, which helps your child’s body create its own antibodies, these donated antibodies only offer protection for a short time.

Depending on your child’s age and medical history, your provider may also recommend vaccinating them early. If given within 3 days of exposure, this is a more robust approach than immunoglobulin, with fewer side effects.

Measles Symptoms

While measles is most known for its red, blotchy rash, that’s not usually the first symptom. At first, it might seem like the flu. Symptoms of measles include:

  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • High fever
  • Red eyes
  • Koplik’s spots (small red spots in your child’s mouth)
  • Light sensitivity (may be extreme)
  • Sore throat
  • Ear infection

Measles Treatment

Measles can often be treated at home.  

Treating at Home

If possible, treating measles at home keeps the virus from spreading.

Call your pediatrician first. Based on your child’s medical history, they may have additional recommendations. They can also help you come up with a plan and decide when the hospital is appropriate.

Some of the steps they may recommend include:

  • Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for pain
  • Rest
  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Keeping your child in a darkened room

When Your Child Needs Medical Help

Roughly 20% of measles cases require hospitalization. These are the signs that your child may need to go to the hospital:

  • A fever higher than 105 degrees (or any fever in a baby younger than 3 months old)
  • Trouble breathing
  • Severe headache
  • Seizures
  • Personality changes
  • Inability to drink fluids

When bringing your child to the hospital, contact us in advance. While sick with the measles, your child’s immune system is weakened. That means they can pick up additional illnesses very easily.

There is no specific antiviral or treatment for measles. But at the hospital, we can help your child breathe with respiratory therapy. We can also help keep them nourished with IV fluids and nutrition.

Measles Complications

Unfortunately, getting over the measles isn’t a guarantee of good health. Many measles survivors have complications that will stay with them for years or even for the rest of their lives.

These complications include:

  • Loss of sight
  • Loss of hearing
  • Weakened immune system
  • Pneumonia
  • Encephalitis (brain swelling)

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)

SSPE is the rarest and most serious measles complication. Typically, it shows up around 7 years after your child has recovered from their initial measles infection. If your child starts showing these signs, contact their doctor right away:

  • Personality changes
  • Mood swings
  • Depression
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Memory loss

While there is no cure for SSPE, it can go into remission if caught early.

Additional Resources

American Academy of Pediatrics: How to Protect Your Child During a Measles Outbreak
Measles: What Parents Need to Know - HealthyChildren.org