Understanding Measles Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Vamsi Krishna Kedarisetti , General Medicine

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Measles, also called Rubeola, is a highly contagious, acute, and febrile respiratory viral disease. It is a viral disease that can prove serious for young children, but it is easily preventable by the measles vaccine.

It is one of the leading causes of worldwide mortality and morbidity, mainly in the regions of Africa and Southeast Asia.

However, measles virus transmission is primarily observed among people who have traveled to high-risk countries and also among unvaccinated groups of the population (mainly children) in the community.

What Are the Types or Stages of Measles?

The measles infection progresses in stages over a period of 2 to 3 weeks.

Incubation period with no visible symptoms for 10 to 14 days
Early symptoms such as mild fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and conjunctivitis infection
Severe stage with high fever and spreading red rash across the body

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Measles?

The symptoms of measles usually appear after an incubation period and affect the respiratory system along with the skin.

high fever
weakness
cough
Runny nose
Pitted or cracked nails
A measles rash
sore throat
Koplik spots inside the mouth
Muscle pain
Light sensitivity

What Are the Causes of Measles?

Measles thrives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected individual and spreads through respiratory droplets.

Direct contact with an infected person through close interaction
Airborne transmission through coughing or sneezing
Contact with contaminated surfaces where the virus remains active
Lack of vaccination increases susceptibility to infection
Travel to regions with active measles outbreaks

When Should You See a Doctor for Measles?

Medical attention is necessary if symptoms worsen or complications arise. Consult a doctor if these symptoms persist:

Persistent high fever
Difficulty breathing or a severe cough
Severe weakness or dehydration
Rash spreading rapidly with worsening symptoms
Known exposure to measles without vaccination

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How Is Measles Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of measles involves evaluating symptoms along with laboratory confirmation.

Blood tests including complete blood count (CBC)
Throat or nose swab samples
Urine tests
Assessment of vaccination history
Recent travel history to high-risk regions
Exposure to infected individuals

What Are the Treatment Options for Measles?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, and management mainly focuses on supportive care.

Fever reducers to control high temperature
Hydration and rest
Vitamin A supplementation, especially in children
Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections
Isolation to prevent spread
Post-exposure vaccination within three days of exposure
Immune serum globulin for high-risk individuals

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What Are the Risk Factors for Measles?

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing measles infection.

Unvaccinated individuals
Traveling to high-risk countries
vitamin A deficiency

What Is the Recovery Process for Measles?

Recovery from measles usually takes a few weeks with proper care and monitoring.

Gradual reduction in fever and symptoms
Rash fades over time
Adequate rest and nutrition support recovery
Monitoring for complications such as infections
Immunity develops after recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes measles?

Measles is caused by the measles virus (MeV), which affects the respiratory system. It spreads through respiratory droplets.

2. How is measles spread?

Measles spreads through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes and can also spread via contaminated surfaces and direct contact with respiratory secretions.

3. How can I distinguish measles from chickenpox?

Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive measles rash. Chickenpox causes an itchy rash with fluid-filled blisters. They are caused by different viruses.

4. How can measles be prevented?

The measles vaccine, part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, is effective in preventing measles.

5. What are the symptoms of measles in babies?

In babies, measles symptoms include flu-like signs and a body-wide measles rash. There is no specific measles treatment; care focuses on relieving symptoms.