Measles in children is one of the highly contagious infectious diseases. Moreover, babies under 12 months of age are the most vulnerable group to be infected with this measles disease .
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or through airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
The measles virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area. But do n’t worry, measles is now almost always preventable with a vaccine.
To learn more about measles in children, both about what causes it and what treatments can be done, let’s take a look at the following article, Parents.
What is Measles in Children?
Measles (also called rubeola) is caused by a virus, so there is no specific medical treatment for it.
Measles in children can cause a skin rash all over the body and flu -like symptoms . Measles spreads easily and can be serious and even fatal in young children.
A child who is sick with measles should drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest, and stay home from school or daycare to prevent the spread of infection.
Today, measles is generally rare thanks to widespread immunization .
Reported from the website pageMayo Clinic, measles death rates have declined worldwide because more children are vaccinated against measles. However, the disease still kills more than 200,000 people a year, mostly children.
Signs and Symptoms of Measles in Children
The initial symptoms of measles infection are usually a productive cough, runny nose, high fever, and red eyes.
Reported from the website pageMayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of measles appear about 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Signs and symptoms of measles usually include:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Have a cold
- Sore throat
- Inflamed eyes ( conjunctivitis )
- Small white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background are found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheeks — also called Koplik spots.
- A skin rash consisting of large, flat patches that often flow into each other.
Infection occurs gradually over 2 to 3 weeks. What will happen if measles occurs in children.
During the first 10 to 14 days after infection, the measles virus spreads in the body. There are no signs or symptoms of measles during this time.
- Nonspecific Signs and Symptoms
Measles usually begins with a mild to moderate fever, often with a persistent cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis) and a sore throat. This relatively mild illness can last for 2 to 3 days.
- Acute Diseases and Rashes
The rash consists of small red spots, some of which are slightly raised. The spots and bumps are in tight clusters giving the skin a blotchy red appearance. The face breaks out first.
Over the next few days, the rash spreads to the arms, chest and back, then to the thighs, lower legs and feet.
At the same time, the fever rises sharply, often as high as 104 to 105.8 F (40 to 41 degrees Celsius).
The measles rash can last for about seven days. The rash gradually fades first from the face and last from the thighs and legs.
While other symptoms of the disease resolve, coughing and darkening or peeling of the skin where the rash was may persist for about 10 days.
Causes of Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease. This means it is very easy to spread to other people.
Measles is caused by a virus found in the nose and throat of infected children or adults, as explained on the health page.Mayo Clinic.
The CDC writes that measles is caused by a single-stranded enveloped RNA virus with 1 serotype.
It is classified as a member of the genus Morbillivirus in the family Paramyxoviridae. Humans are the only natural host of the measles virus.
When someone with measles coughs, sneezes, or talks, infectious droplets are released into the air, where others can breathe them in. Infectious droplets can remain in the air for about an hour.
Infectious droplets can also land on surfaces, where they can live and spread for several hours. You can catch the measles virus by putting your fingers in your mouth or nose or rubbing your eyes after touching an infected surface.
Measles is most contagious from about four days before to four days after the rash appears.
About 90% of people who have never had measles or have been vaccinated against measles will become infected if exposed to someone with the measles virus.
Measles Risk Factors
Risk factors for measles include:
- Not vaccinated. If you haven’t been vaccinated against measles, you are more likely to get measles.
- Traveling abroad. If you travel to countries where measles is more common, you are at higher risk of getting measles.
- Having a vitamin A deficiency . If you don’t have enough vitamin A in your diet, you’re more likely to have more severe measles symptoms and complications.
People at High Risk for Complications
People at high risk for severe disease and complications from measles include:
- Infants and children aged < 5 years
- Adults aged >20 years
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems, such as leukemia and HIV infection
Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. Its severity is such that 9 out of 10 susceptible people and close contacts of measles patients will develop measles as well.
Does Measles Only Attack Children?
Measles can not only attack children, but also adults who have never received the measles vaccine.
In fact, 9 out of 10 people who are not vaccinated against measles will become infected if they are near an infected person, as reported on the website.Kids Health .
Babies under 12 months of age are the group most vulnerable to measles infection.
Don’t babies already have antibodies from the womb?
Babies will get protection from measles through passive immunity passed through the placenta while still in the womb and during breastfeeding. However, this immunity is lost within 2.5 months after birth or after stopping breastfeeding.
How Measles is Transmitted to Children
Measles spreads when people breathe in or come into direct contact with fluids infected with the virus.
Transmission can occur through droplets that are sprayed into the air when someone with measles sneezes or coughs. Someone who is exposed to the virus usually shows symptoms 7-14 days later.
People with measles can spread the disease from 4 days before the rash appears until about 4 days afterward.
Diagnosis of Measles in Children
A doctor will suspect measles based on general symptoms including fever and rash, and especially if the patient has recently traveled abroad or been exposed to someone who has a fever and rash.
Laboratory blood and tissue tests from a throat or nasal swab can confirm the diagnosis.
How to Treat Measles in Children
There is no specific antiviral treatment for the measles virus. To help treat the symptoms, parents can do the following:
- give your child plenty of fluids
- encourage extra rest
- give non-aspirin fever medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if the fever is making your child uncomfortable. Never give aspirin to a child who has a viral illness, as such use has been linked to Reye’s syndrome.
Reported from the websiteKids Health,Measles in children should be closely monitored by a doctor. In some cases, measles can cause other problems, such as:
- ear infection
- Croup (a type of cough due to swelling of the throat)
- diarrhea
- pneumonia
- encephalitis (irritation and swelling of the brain)
Children with measles should be kept away from others for 4 days after their rash appears. For those with weakened immune systems, your child should be quarantined until they have fully recovered and all symptoms have resolved.
As reported on the WHO website , all children diagnosed with measles should receive two doses of vitamin A supplements, given at 24-hour intervals.
This treatment aims to restore low levels of vitamin A that occur during measles, even in well-nourished children.
Vitamin A can also help prevent eye damage and blindness. Vitamin A supplements have also been shown to reduce the number of deaths from measles.
When to See a Doctor?
Call a doctor immediately if you think your child has measles.
Parents can also report if their child has ever been around someone who has measles, especially if your child:
- is a baby
- are taking medications that suppress the immune system
- suffering from tuberculosis, cancer, or a disease that affects the immune system
Children who are malnourished, lack vitamin A, and experience decreased immune function due to HIV/AIDS are also at risk of experiencing more severe measles than normal children.
Complications from measles are some quite serious such as blindness, brain swelling infection (Encephalitis), and severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia . In addition, severe diarrhea, dehydration, and ear infections are also very possible.
Measles Prevention in Children
The best way to protect your children is to make sure they are immunized against measles.
For most children, measles protection is part of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine given when they are 12 to 15 months old and again when they are 4 to 6 years old.
The vaccine can be given to babies as young as 6 months if they are traveling abroad. Talk to your doctor about when this vaccine is needed.
As reported on the NHS page , to prevent the spread of measles, do the following 3M habits:
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water
- Use tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Throw away used tissues in the trash
Why is Vaccination Important?
Measles immunization has been proven to reduce measles cases worldwide. However, outbreaks can still occur if hygiene and lifestyle are not maintained.
An outbreak is when a disease occurs in greater numbers than expected in a particular area. Measles outbreaks have increased worldwide, largely because people are not vaccinated.
It is vital that all children receive timely vaccines. Immunizations can prevent the spread of disease, and help prevent outbreaks.
Those at highest risk of contracting measles during a measles outbreak are:
- babies who are not old enough to receive vaccines
- pregnant mother
- people with malnutrition or weakened immune systems
Doctors can give people at risk of measles an injection of measles antibodies called immune globulin. This antibody injection is most effective when given within 6 days of exposure. The antibodies can prevent measles or make symptoms less severe, as reported by the websiteKids Health .
The measles vaccine can also help protect unvaccinated people from getting sick after being exposed to measles if they get it within 3 days.
Popular Questions Regarding Measles in Children
What is prohibited when you have measles?
Things that are prohibited when experiencing measles include doing too many activities outside the home and making contact with other people to prevent transmission, and not sneezing carelessly.
Also avoid sharing personal items such as eating utensils, clothing or equipment that could potentially be exposed to saliva or respiratory droplets.
Can you use powder for measles?
In general, itching when exposed to measles can be used with powder .
If symptoms of skin rash appear, you can relieve the symptoms by giving your child measles powder. However, do not choose measles powder carelessly, okay?Parents.
Can coconut water cure measles?
Coconut water can expel measles is a myth. There is no research or scientific evidence that shows a link between coconut water and the expulsion or cure of measles.
The best way to treat measles in children is to increase their immunity.
Can measles be treated with eucalyptus oil?
In general, there is no prohibition on using eucalyptus oil on children suffering from measles. The condition is, it is not applied to open skin (wounds).
So, it is important to get vaccinated with the measles vaccine to increase immunity in the community.Parents.
That’s the information about measles in children. Hopefully it’s useful.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
