How serious measles can be in children

Measles can be very serious in children who are younger than 5 years of age. Measles is an illness that causes a red skin rash. It can spread easily (is contagious).

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• A fever.
• White spots inside the mouth.
• Red, runny eyes that may be extra sensitive to light.
• Sneezing or coughing.
• A sore throat.
• A red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body.

This condition goes away on its own, usually within 2 weeks of symptoms starting.

Follow these instructions at home:

Managing itching, pain, and discomfort

• Keep your child cool and out of the sun. Sweating and being hot can make itching worse.
• Have your child take cool baths. Add baking soda or oatmeal to the water to reduce itching.
• Do not bathe your child in hot water.
• Put cold, wet cloths (cold compresses) on itchy areas, as told by your child’s doctor.
• Use lotion that helps relieve itchiness (calamine lotion) as told by your child’s doctor. This is an over-the-counter lotion.
• If your child has blisters in his or her mouth, do not give:
  • Spicy foods.
  • Salty foods.
  • Acidic foods or drinks.
• Give your child soft, bland, and cold foods and beverages that are easy to swallow.
• Do not let your child scratch or pick at the rash. To help prevent scratching:
  • Keep your child’s fingernails clean and cut short.
  • Have your child wear soft gloves or mittens while he or she sleeps, if scratching is a problem.

General instructions

• Have your child rest.
• Make sure your child drinks enough fluids to keep his or her pee (urine) pale yellow.
• If bright lights bother your child, keep the lights low.
• Keep a humidifier in your child’s room, if possible. This can help your child’s cough.
• Give medicines only as told by your child’s doctor.
  • Do not give your child aspirin.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s doctor. This is important.
• To keep from spreading measles, keep your child away from others:
  • For at least 4 days after the rash appears.
  • Until your child’s doctor says that it is safe to be around others.
• Know that you may be contacted by a public health department and asked questions about how your child got measles.

How is this prevented?

This condition can be prevented with a vaccine.

• Children who did not receive a vaccine and have not had measles before may be able to get a vaccine or shot within 6 days of being around someone with measles.
• Children who have had measles before cannot get it again and do not need a vaccine.
• Babies younger than 6 months usually do not need a vaccine.

Contact a doctor if your child:

• Has ear pain.
• Has fluid coming from his or her ear.
• Has a headache.
• Feels sick to his or her stomach (nauseous).
• Throws up (vomits).
• Has problems that do not go away in 2 weeks.
• Has signs of another illness.
• Makes pee that is a darker color than normal.
• Is peeing less than normal. Your young child may have fewer wet diapers.

Get help right away if your child:

• Has a fever and his or her symptoms suddenly get worse.
• Is extra sleepy.
• Has peed only a small amount of very dark pee in 6–8 hours.
• Cannot drink fluids without throwing up, and this lasts for more than a few hours.
• Is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher.
• Is breathing very fast or strangely.
• Has chest pain.
• Has shortness of breath.
• Is confused.
• Has a seizure.

Summary

• Measles is an illness that causes a red skin rash and other problems.
• Make sure your child drinks enough fluids to keep his or her pee (urine) pale yellow.
• Keep your child away from others until 4 days after the rash appears or until your child’s doctor says that it is safe to be around others.
• This condition can be prevented with a vaccine.