Measles

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Measles, also called rubeola, is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects children and adolescents. (This disease is distinct from rubella, or German measles. Rubella is much less serious unless the patient is a pregnant woman, in which case it may cause birth defects in the unborn child.) Measles causes a high fever and cough, and a rash that may affect the entire body. A small percentage of people affected with measles may come down with serious complications, such as pneumonia or encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. The incidence of measles had declined dramatically in the United States over the past few decades, but recently it has been on the upswing due to imported cases and the fact that many parents have not had their children vaccinated.

Anyone who has not previously had measles, or has not been vaccinated against it, is susceptible to measles. A few people who have been vaccinated may get measles anyway. Infection with measles or vaccination against it usually gives a lifelong immunity to it.

There are two stages of measles symptoms. In the first stage, which lasts about four days, the patient will have a high fever, red eyes, runny nose and a cough. After the first couple of days small white spots may appear inside the mouth. In the second stage the white spots fade away, and the characteristic blotchy, red-orange rash begins to develop on the face, which soon spreads to the entire body. The initial symptoms continue throughout the duration of the rash, which should also last about four days. The cough may linger a few days longer.

As there is no cure for measles, treatment in uncomplicated cases is directed toward reducing the fever and cough, and ensuring that the patient is comfortable and getting lots of bed rest.

The best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated against it. The measles vaccine protects approximately 97 percent of those vaccinated. Measles is so contagious that anyone at risk for it can catch it just by being in the same room as an affected person, whether that person's symptoms are visible or not.