Measles symptoms in children

Measles in Children • Care notes • • • • • • • • • What is measles? Measles is a disease caused by a virus. The virus is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is also spread through direct contact, such as sharing cups or toys. Measles can become serious, especially in children 5 years or younger or who have a weak immune system. What are the signs and symptoms of measles? Your child may develop a rash about 2 to 3 days after he or she starts to feel sick. The measles rash usually begins on the face and head and then spreads down to the legs and feet. It may first appear as tiny spots that later join to make large patchy bumps. The rash usually disappears in 5 to 8 days, and may cause the skin to peel. Your child may also have any of the following: • A fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and muscle aches • Red, irritated eyes that are sensitive to light • Small white spots that appear inside his or her mouth, usually on the cheeks • Abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea How is measles diagnosed? Your child's healthcare provider may be able to diagnose measles based on your child's symptoms and a physical exam. Your child may need a blood test to confirm the infection. What can I do to manage my child's symptoms? Measles cannot be cured. The following may help relieve your child's symptoms: • Give your child liquids as directed. Liquids help prevent dehydration. Ask how much liquid to give your child each day and which liquids are best for him or her. Give...

Measles (Rubeola) in Children What is measles in children? Measles (rubeola) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It causes a red, blotchy rash. It is also known as 10-day measles or red measles. It’s a very contagious illness. The measles virus lives in the mucus in the nose and throat. It’s spread from one child to another through contact with fluid from the nose and throat. It is also spread by an infected child coughing and sneezing. What causes measles in a child? Measles is caused by a virus. It is mostly seen in the winter and spring. Which children are at risk for measles? A child is more at risk for measles if he or she has not had the measles vaccine, and is in contact with anyone who has measles. A person is contagious about 4 days before the rash breaks out, so a child may have contact with the virus without knowing it. What are the symptoms of measles in a child? It may take 7 to 14 days for a child to develop symptoms of measles after contact with the virus. A child is contagious about 4 days before the rash breaks out and 4 days after the rash develops. A child may pass the virus to others before you know he or she has it. The early phase of the illness lasts between 1 and 4 days. Symptoms are like those of an upper respiratory infection. The most common symptoms include: • Runny nose • Hacking cough • Pink eye (conjunctivitis) • Fever After 2 or 3 days of the above, other symptoms include: • Severe diarrhea • Small spots with white centers (Koplik's ...

• The measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious, occasionally life-threatening complications — especially in babies and kids. • The first signs of the measles include a fever, red eyes, cough, and runny nose. These typically appear before the trademark red rash. • The best protection against the ongoing measles outbreak is to get vaccinated. As the U.S. continues to battle cases of the measles, more and more states are recording outbreaks. According to the most recent data from the The CDC has identified six different ongoing outbreaks in New York, New Jersey, California, and Washington, with additional cases in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. "Prior to this year, I'd maybe seen two or three cases of measles, but now due to this outbreak in close proximity to our hospital, I’m seeing several cases per week," says Gail Shust, M.D., pediatric infectious disease specialist at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone. play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play Because the disease had almost completely disappeared for so long, she says there's a misconception that measles is a benign disease. In reality, it can cause serious, occasionally life-threatening complications. What's more, the measles can initially present as a fever and Here's exactly what parents need to know about measles cases in kids, including how to prevent them and the first...