Definition Measles is a viral infection characterised by a red, bumpy rash.
What is going on in the body? Measles is acquired by coming into contact with infected respiratory secretions and droplets. Infected people can spread it when they cough, sneeze or wipe their noses.
The measles vaccine has greatly reduced the number of measles cases in the Australia. Usually, measles is imported into this country by travelers.
What are the signs and symptoms of the infection? Symptoms usually begin about 1 to 1-1/2 weeks after acquiring the virus. The symptoms can include:
a red, slightly bumpy rash.
cough.
runny nose.
conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the inner part of the eyelid.
ear infection.
croup, a condition that causes breathing trouble and a barking cough.
What are the causes and risks of the infection? Measles is caused by the measles virus, which belongs to the Paramyxovirus family of viruses.
About 0.1% of patients can contract encephalitis, an infection of the brain after becoming infected with measles. Encephalitis can result in brain damage and, sometimes, death.
Rarely, many years after the first measles infection, a person may develop subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. This is a condition characterised by behavioural changes, mental decline and seizures.
What can be done to prevent the infection? The measles vaccine is very effective at preventing measles in immunised people. In children, the vaccine is usually combined with the rubella and mumps vaccine and given as one Injection, called the MMR vaccine, but it can be given alone. Side effects of the MMR vaccine include:
fever and rash
joint pain
allergic reactions
Other side effects are rare. The vaccine should not be given to pregnant women or to women who are planning on getting pregnant in the 3 months following immunisation.
Another way to prevent the spread of infection is to isolate the infected person. An infected person with a normal immune system should stay home from school or work for 4 days after the rash appears. An infected person with autoimmune problems, where the body attacks its own tissues, may be contagious for even longer.
Some people with autoimmune problems should not have the measles vaccine. If these unprotected people are exposed to an infected person, they should receive immune globulin prophylaxis, an injection of disease-fighting proteins.
How is the infection diagnosed? Doctors test for measles antibodies in the blood. Antibodies are molecules that protect the body from a certain disease or condition. The measles virus also can be cultured from infected respiratory secretions. It can also be cultured from the eye, the blood and the urine during the fever phase of the illness.
What are the long-term effects of the infection? Although it is rare, measles encephalitis can leave a person with brain damage and can sometimes result in death. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a chronic degenerative brain disease.
What are the risks to others? Measles is contagious and can be spread to other individuals.
What are the treatments for the infection? There is no approved treatment for measles. Paracetamol may be recommended for discomfort. Cough medication may be prescribed for a cough. A person should check with a doctor for recommendations. Antibiotics may be prescribed for secondary infections such as pneumonia or encephalitis.
What are the side effects of the treatments? The side effects of treatment depend on what medications are used. Antibiotics may cause allergic reactions or stomach upset. Persons should contact a doctor for any side effects that develop.
What happens after treatment for the infection? Normally, the measles infection lasts 10 days to 2 weeks and a person recovers completely. If pneumonia or encephalitis develop, further treatment and evaluation may be necessary.
How is the infection monitored? Unless a person develops complications from measles, no further monitoring is necessary. Once a person has measles, he or she is permanently immune and should not develop measles again.
Author: Danielle Zerr, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
