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MeaslesPublished by BUPA's health information team, healthinfo@bupa.com, November 2007. This factsheet is for people who have measles or would like information about measles. Measles is a different condition to German measles (Rubella), which is caused by a different virus - the rubella virus. Measles is a mild to moderately severe illness caused by a virus. Measles is now less common because of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination (see Prevention of measles).
About measlesMeasles is a highly contagious respiratory illness. This means the measles virus can easily be passed from one person to another if a person breathes it in. If one person has it, nine out of 10 people who come into close contact with that person will get measles. Symptoms of measlesThe early signs of a measles infection occur between six and 19 days after becoming infected. These symptoms last for about two to four days and may include:
Measles rashA red rash will usually appear a few days after the initial symptoms of measles. The rash generally spreads from the face and neck to the rest of the body and lasts for about a week before fading. You are most likely to catch measles from someone who is in the early stages of infection until four days after the rash has appeared. Complications of measlesComplications of measles such as ear infections (otitis media), pneumonia and diarrhoea are common. More serious complications include inflammation of:
You may also have ulcers in the eye and bleeding. Severe complications, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), which also affects the brain, are rare but can be fatal in the late stages of infection. Symptoms of encephalitis are similar to meningitis and include being drowsy, headache, fits, confusion and a dislike of light. Symptoms of SSPE include fits, mental problems and strange behaviour. Complications occur more often in children under five and adults over 20. People who have a weak immune system are also more at risk, such as those with AIDS or illnesses such as leukaemia. The fatality rate from the complications of measles for otherwise healthy people in developed countries is relatively low. In developing countries around one in 20 people die from measles but this can be up to five in 20 people, particularly if they are not getting enough nutrients to support their immune system. One million children die from measles worldwide each year. If you are pregnant and become infected with measles, the virus can cause miscarriage, premature birth of your baby or low-birth weight when he or she is born. Causes of measlesThe measles paramyxovirus is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets of infected mucus or saliva suspended in the air are breathed in by other people. The measles virus then grows in cells in the back of the throat and in the lungs. You can also get measles if you are in close or direct contact with the nose or mouth of someone with the virus. The virus can survive on surfaces for up to two hours and be passed on when you touch the surface with the virus on it and then touch your mouth or nose. Diagnosis of measlesYour GP will examine you and ask you about your symptoms. Measles is a notifiable disease. This means that if your GP suspects that you have measles, by law they have to report it to their local authority. This is so there can be accurate statistics of how many people in the UK are getting measles each year. Treatment of measlesThere is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Taking the painkiller you would normally take for a headache will help to ease symptoms. It's also important to drink plenty of fluids to stop you from becoming dehydrated. Your GP may prescribe antibiotics for complications, such as pneumonia. For more information on treating fevers in children, please see Related topics. Prevention of measlesMeasles is a preventable condition. The measles vaccineThe most effective way to protect against measles is immunisation with the MMR vaccine (the measles vaccine) - a combined vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella. This is given in two doses to children at around 13 months. Older children and adults can also have the vaccine. For more information about the MMR vaccine, please see Related topics. The Health Protection Agency advises that children with measles should stay away from school or nursery for at least five days after the rash appears to stop them passing the infection to other children. Once you have had measles you won't get it again. Further information
Sources
Related topicsThis information was published by BUPA's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr James Quekett, Bsc.MB Ch.B MRCGP DRCOG DFFP, partner/principal general practitioner at Rowcroft Medical Centre and BUPA doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: November 2007. Expected review date November 2009.
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