Every now and then there is an outbreak of measles somewhere in the country. Should we be concerned?

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease occurring mostly in children. Infection is spread through droplets which are coughed, sneezed, or breathed out by a person with the illness. The respiratory system is affected first, where after the virus spreads until the whole body is infected. This will last until the disease has run its course, usually five to seven days after the rash has appeared. The ill person can infect others for approximately a week after the rash has disappeared. Although there may be complications such as respiratory infection and, in extreme cases life-threatening encephalitis, recovery is usually complete. The good news is that, after a case of measles, the person becomes immune against the disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop eight to 15 days after being infected. Symptoms include:

    • Feeling unwell for two days before a rash appears
    • Having a dry, irritating cough, which may also start before the rash appears
    • Having a runny nose
    • Having an elevated temperature
    • Having sore and red or sensitive eyes
    • Having small white spots, called Koplik’s spots, on the inside of the cheeks
    • Having a rash of brownish-pink, slightly raised spots that start behind the ears and spread in blotches all over the body. After about five days, the rash subsides, leaving flaky, crackling skin behind.

Treatment

    • Keep the child in bed for as long as he or she has a fever. Give cool fluids to help bring down the temperature
    • If necessary, give medication to relieve the fever. Follow the package instructions to determine the dosage.
    • If the fever lasts or if secondary infections develop, consult a doctor. He or she may subscribe antibiotics.

Prevention

The best form of measles prevention is immunisation, which has been available since 1963. It provides approximately 95% protection.

If possible, keep children away from others with the illness.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about measles and other childhood illness.