Measles is a viral infection that causes a rash, a high fever, and a cough. One out of 10 children who catch measles will have an ear infection or pneumonia. A sore throat may occur. Other more serious complications include inflammation of the brain, convulsions, and death. The disease spreads when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others. Although immunization is recommended nationwide, thousands of children get measles each year in the United States because they have not been vaccinated.

The child is contagious for up to 4 days before the symptoms appear and until the fever and rash are gone. During the incubation period for 8 to 12 days after exposure, there will probably be no symptoms. After that the child may show the following symptoms:
* cold like symptoms including a dry cough, runny nose, red and swollen eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, and fever that may run as high as 103 to 105 degrees F, and
* a flat, red rash usually develops 2 to 4 days after the beginning of the illness. Typically, it begins on the face and neck, then spreads down the trunk and out to the arms and legs. The rash lasts 5 to 8 days. As it fades, it may peel in small flakes.

Treatment is focused on relieving the child's discomfort. Self-care measures include the following:
* ease the cold-like symptoms by adding moisture to the air with a vaporizer. Nose drops, cough medicine, and cool sponge baths may be used to decrease congestion, cough and temperature,
* keep the child away from anyone not immune to the illness,
* increase the child's fluids,
* give acetaminophen to control fever,
* relieve itching by applying calamine lotion, corn starch solution, oatmeal, baking soda, or cool water, and
* dim bright lights if the child's eyes are sensitive.

The pediatrician should be called if the child is severely lethargic, has continued high fever or seizures. Immunity against measles comes with immunization or having had the disease. Children should receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shot between 12 to 15 months of age. A second one is necessary between 4 to 6 years of age or before middle school or junior high. Children or adults who have not had measles or been vaccinated should contact their healthcare provider.

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