Measles Health Article

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for the measles.

The following may relieve symptoms:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Bed rest
• Humidified air

Some children may need vitamin A supplements. Vitamin A reduces the risk of death and complications in children in less developed countries, where children may not be getting enough vitamin A. People who don't get enough vitamin A are more likely to get infections, including measles. It is not clear whether children in more developed countries would benefit from supplements.

Expectations (prognosis)

Those who do not have complications such as pneumonia do very well.

Complications

Complications of measles infection may include:

• Bronchitis
• Encephalitis (about 1 out of 1,000 measles cases)
• Ear infection (otitis media)
• Pneumonia

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms of measles.

Prevention

Routine immunization is highly effective for preventing measles. People who are not immunized, or who have not received the full immunization are at high risk for catching the disease.

Taking serum immune globulin 6 days after being exposed to the virus can reduce the risk of developing measles, or can make the disease less severe.

References

Measles. Disease-A-Month. 2007;53.

Mason WH. Measles. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 243.