What is Measles? Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This childhood disease can affect anyone who hasn't been vaccinated or previously infected, causing a distinctive red rash and flu-like symptoms.

While measles was nearly eliminated in many countries thanks to vaccination programs, outbreaks still occur in communities with low vaccination rates. The good news is that measles is entirely preventable with proper vaccination, and most people recover completely with supportive care.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles symptoms typically appear 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The illness usually develops in two distinct stages, making it easier to recognize as it progresses.

The early stage feels much like a bad cold or flu. You might notice fever, runny nose, dry cough, and red, watery eyes. These symptoms can last 2 to 3 days before the characteristic rash appears.

Here are the key symptoms to watch for during the early stage:

• High fever (often above 104°F or 40°C)
• Persistent dry cough
• Runny nose with clear discharge
• Red, watery, and sensitive eyes
• Fatigue and general feeling of being unwell
• Small white spots with red centers inside the mouth (called Koplik's spots)

The second stage brings the telltale measles rash. This red, blotchy rash typically starts on your face and hairline, then spreads downward to cover your neck, trunk, arms, and legs over several days.

The rash usually appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms begin. As the rash spreads, your fever may spike even higher, and you might feel quite miserable for a few days before gradually starting to feel better.

What causes measles?

Measles is caused by a virus called the measles virus, which belongs to the paramyxovirus family. This virus is incredibly contagious and spreads easily from person to person through tiny droplets in the air.

When someone with measles coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes, they release virus-containing droplets into the air. You can catch measles by breathing in these droplets or by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

The virus is so contagious that if one person has measles, up to 9 out of 10 people around them will catch it if they're not immune. The virus can survive in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the area.

People with measles are most contagious from 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after it starts. This means you can spread the virus even before you know you're sick, which is why measles can spread so quickly through communities.

When to see a doctor for measles?

You should contact your doctor immediately if you suspect measles, especially if you or your child develops a high fever along with cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Early medical attention helps ensure proper diagnosis and prevents spreading the infection to others.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you notice these warning signs:

• High fever (above 104°F or 40°C) that doesn't respond to fever reducers
• Difficulty breathing or persistent cough
• Severe headache or neck stiffness
• Ear pain or discharge from the ears
• Signs of dehydration like excessive thirst, dry mouth, or reduced urination

Seek emergency care immediately if you experience severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or seizures. These symptoms could indicate serious complications that require immediate medical intervention.

It's also important to call ahead before visiting your doctor's office or emergency room. This allows the medical staff to prepare isolation measures and protect other patients from exposure to the virus.

What are the risk factors for measles?

Your risk of catching measles depends primarily on your vaccination status and exposure to the virus. People who haven't been vaccinated or who have weakened immune systems face the highest risk of infection.

The most significant risk factors include:

• Being unvaccinated against measles
• Having a weakened immune system due to illness or medications
• Traveling to areas with ongoing measles outbreaks
• Being born before 1957 (when vaccination wasn't routine)
• Living in communities with low vaccination rates
• Having vitamin A deficiency

Children under 5 years old and adults over 20 are more likely to experience severe complications from measles. Pregnant women who aren't immune also face increased risks, including premature birth and low birth weight babies.

Healthcare workers and international travelers should pay special attention to their vaccination status, as they're more likely to encounter the virus in their work or travel environments.

What are the possible complications of measles?

While many people recover from measles without lasting problems, complications can occur, especially in very young children, adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Understanding these possibilities helps you know when to seek additional medical care.

Common complications that might develop include:

• Ear infections that can lead to hearing loss
• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Severe diarrhea and dehydration
• Secondary bacterial infections
• Temporary vision problems

More serious but less common complications can affect the brain and nervous system. Encephalitis, which is brain inflammation, occurs in about 1 in 1,000 measles cases and can cause seizures, brain damage, or even death.

A very rare but devastating complication called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can develop years after measles infection. This progressive brain disease affects about 1 in 10,000 people who had measles, particularly those who were infected before age 2.

Pregnant women who catch measles face risks of premature labor, low birth weight babies, and in severe cases, maternal death. The good news is that proper vaccination before pregnancy prevents these complications entirely.

How can measles be prevented?

Measles is completely preventable through vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. This safe and highly effective vaccine provides long-lasting protection against measles and has dramatically reduced cases worldwide.

The standard vaccination schedule includes two doses of MMR vaccine. Children typically receive their first dose between 12-15 months of age and their second dose between 4-6 years old. This two-dose schedule provides about 97% protection against measles.

Adults who aren't sure about their vaccination status should consider getting vaccinated, especially if they're planning to travel internationally or work in healthcare settings. Most adults born before 1957 are considered immune because they likely had measles as children.

If you're exposed to measles and aren't immune, your doctor might recommend post-exposure vaccination or immune globulin injections within 72 hours of exposure. These interventions can sometimes prevent the infection or reduce its severity.

How is measles diagnosed?

Doctors can often diagnose measles based on the characteristic symptoms and rash pattern, but laboratory tests help confirm the diagnosis and track outbreaks. Your healthcare provider will examine you carefully and ask about your symptoms, vaccination history, and recent travel.

The distinctive measles rash that starts on the face and spreads downward, combined with fever and respiratory symptoms, creates a recognizable pattern. Your doctor will also look for Koplik's spots, which are small white spots inside your mouth that appear before the rash.

Blood tests can confirm measles by detecting specific antibodies or the virus itself. Your doctor might also take throat swabs or urine samples to identify the virus directly. These tests are especially important for public health tracking and outbreak control.

Because measles is a reportable disease, your doctor will notify local health authorities if you're diagnosed. This helps protect your community by identifying and vaccinating people who may have been exposed to the virus.

What is the treatment for measles?

There's no specific antiviral treatment for measles, so care focuses on helping your body fight the infection while managing symptoms and preventing complications. Most people recover completely with supportive care at home.

Your treatment plan will likely include plenty of rest and fluids to help your body heal. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and ease discomfort, but never give aspirin to children with viral infections due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Vitamin A supplements may be recommended, especially for children, as they can reduce the severity of measles and lower the risk of complications. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your age and overall health.

If complications develop, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections or recommend hospitalization for severe cases. People with weakened immune systems might receive antiviral medications or immune globulin treatments.

How to manage measles at home?

Home care focuses on keeping you comfortable while your immune system fights the virus. Rest is crucial, so plan to stay home from work or school until you're no longer contagious, which is typically 4 days after the rash appears.

Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions. Fever increases your fluid needs, so drink more than usual even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.

Here are helpful comfort measures you can try at home:

• Use a cool-mist humidifier to ease cough and sore throat
• Dim the lights if your eyes are sensitive
• Take lukewarm baths to soothe itchy skin
• Eat soft, nutritious foods if your appetite is poor
• Monitor your temperature regularly

Isolation is important to prevent spreading measles to others. Stay away from people who aren't immune, especially pregnant women, infants, and people with compromised immune systems, until your doctor says it's safe.

How should you prepare for your doctor appointment?

Before your appointment, write down your symptoms, including when they started and how they've progressed. This information helps your doctor understand your illness timeline and make an accurate diagnosis.

Gather your vaccination records or try to remember when you last received the MMR vaccine. If you can't find records, don't worry – your doctor can still help determine your immune status and provide appropriate care.

Make a list of any medications you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Also note any recent travel, especially to areas with known measles outbreaks, as this information is crucial for diagnosis.

Call ahead to let the office know you suspect measles. This allows them to schedule your appointment appropriately and take precautions to protect other patients from exposure to the virus.

What's the key takeaway about measles?

Measles is a serious but entirely preventable disease through vaccination. While most people recover completely, complications can be severe, especially in young children, adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

The MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and provides long-lasting protection against measles. If you're unsure about your vaccination status, talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated, especially if you're planning to travel or work in high-risk environments.

If you suspect measles, seek medical attention promptly and isolate yourself to prevent spreading the virus to others. With proper supportive care, most people recover completely within 1-2 weeks without lasting complications.