Measles

This is a highly infectious disease. In addition there can also be quite serious complications, in particular, pneumonia and meningitis. Your child is most likely to catch the disease between the ages of one and six years. Measles takes its most serious form under the age of three.

It generally takes 10-14 days for the symptoms to appear after your child has been infected. The first symptoms are similar to a normal cold - runny nose, a hoarse cough and a fever. For the first two days the temperature will be 38-39°C (100.4-102°F). It may fall briefly before becoming as high as 40°C (104°F). It's at this stage that the rash generally starts as brownish-red spots behind the ears and then spreads to the face and the rest of the body. There may be small red spots, each with a white centre in the mouth (Koplik's spots) before the rash starts. Your baby's eyes may become red and sore.

At around the age of 13 months your child can be immunized against measles, when he has his MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) immunization.

What to do

Look in the child's mouth for signs of Koplik's spots. Ask for medical advice to confirm measles. While your child has the fever, follow the general instructions for coping with high temperatures. Bathe his sore eyes with lukewarm water and dim the lights if that makes him more comfortable. He probably won't be very hungry when he's feverish, but make sure that he drinks adequate amounts of liquid by providing small but frequent drinks. Seek medical advice immediately if your child has any of the following: a high temperature four days after the rash has appeared; earache or laboured breathing; a phlegmy cough; or if he becomes semi-conscious.

Dr Miriam Stoppard

New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard

Posted 03.11.2010

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