INTRODUCTION

The number of Measles cases in the United States (U.S.) has increased, with 58 cases found in multiple states as of March 14th, 2024, as reported by the CDC. 

Travelers who are infected with the virus are the primary cause of the outbreak, and unvaccinated individuals further spread the disease within the U.S. 

Measles is highly contagious, and symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The virus is spread through direct contact with droplets from an infected person’s coughs or sneezes, which can remain in the air for up to two hours. It is important to note that an infected person may start spreading the disease four days before they develop any symptoms.

SYMPTOMS

Measles can cause severe illness in children less than five years old or those with compromised immune systems due to diseases, e.g., HIV, or medication, e.g., chemotherapy. 

Early symptoms of measles include:

• High fever.
• Cough.
• Runny nose.
• Red, watery eyes.

Later symptoms include:

• Rash that spreads from the face down the body. 

White Spots called Koplik spots may also appear in the mouth. 

COMPLICATIONS

Complications of measles include:

1. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death from measles in children.

2. Encephalitis is brain inflammation and can lead to convulsions, deafness, or intellectual disability.

3. Pregnancy: Babies born to unimmunized women who are pregnant may be born premature or have low birth weight. 

 4. SSPE (Subacute Sclerosing Pan Encephalitis): a fatal condition with no cure that occurs 7 to 10 years after measles infection in children under two. (a)

TREATMENT

There are no specific medications for treating measles.

Manage the symptoms by : 

• Giving over-the-counter fever reducers like Tylenol or Motrin.
• Keeping your child well hydrated. 
• For affected infants and toddlers, use saline drops or spray to suction their noses. 
• Vitamin A is also recommended as part of the treatment.

PREVENTION

• Ensure your child receives two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is highly effective and prevents measles infection by 97% when given at 12 -15 months of age and 4- 6 years of age. However, if your child is traveling to a high-risk country, they can receive the vaccine earlier with a different schedule. Please consult your child’s pediatrician to discuss this option. 

P.S. It is important to note that the MMR vaccine does not cause autism. C.f https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.html

If you or someone you know has been exposed to measles and is not immunized, seek treatment from a doctor immediately.

a: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/complications.html

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