Measles are one of the highly contagious diseases and children are more vulnerable to measles. Measles contagious viral disease that affects children but can also occur in unvaccinated adults. It spreads easily through coughing and sneezing and can stay active in the air or on surfaces for several hours. Parents need to protect their children form Measles as it can be painful and make children extremely sick. Measles can be transferred from one child to another before 4 days of onset of rash symptoms and after 4 days.

Parents might think measles are just rash and clears within few days – which is not true. Measles can cause serious complications. According to CDC as of October 28, 2025, a total of 1,648 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States alone.

What are general symptoms of Measles?

When measles infection happens – a child will show following symptoms:

1. Tiny white spots inside the inner lining of cheek called Koplik’s spots.
2. Coughing
3. Runny nose
4. Sore throat
5. Conjunctivitis or red eyes
6. Red spots or rash in the skin- starts in head region and spreads throughout the body.
7. Red rashes might raise and form blotchy patches on skin.
8. High fever
9. Indigestion causing diarrhea.
10. Vomiting
11. Ear pain

Other complications that can arise from Measles:

1. Encephalitis – Irritation and swelling in brain.
2. Weakened immunity.
3. Pneumonia- 1 out of every twenty children will get pneumonia and can lead to death of the child.

An expectant mother who develops measles can end up with premature birth of the baby with low weight and sometimes it could lead to fetal death.

Preventing Measles in children:

Best prevention and protection measures in children is to get recommended doses of MMR or MMRV vaccines.  

The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against three viral diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. One dose of MMR vaccine is 93% effective in preventing measles and two doses effective at 97%.

When to give Measles vaccination?

1. First dose between 12 to 15 months age
2. Second dose at age of 4 to 6 years
3. If child missed the vaccination catch up with vaccination at any age.

Precautions and care for children:

1. Keep immunization records updated: Make sure your child’s vaccination record is complete, especially before travel or school enrollment.

2. Prevent exposure:

• Avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms of measles.
• During outbreaks, they keep unvaccinated children away from public gatherings.

3. Good hygiene habits

• Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces.

4. Healthy immune support: A strong immune system helps recovery and reduces severity:

• Provide a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and D, and zinc.
• Ensure enough rest and hydration.

When to seek medical help?

Call a doctor immediately if your child:

• Has a high, persistent fever
• Shows difficulty breathing or confusion.
• Is not drinking fluids or seems unusually sleepy.
• Develops a rash after exposure to someone with measles.

Remember: Measles are highly contagious because if one child gets infected, it can transfer and make 9-10 children sick too.

Image credit: US Government department: Public Health Image Library, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Copyright free)