How long does measles last?

Measles is an extremely contagious respiratory infection common among children, though it can affect a people from all age groups. According to Dr Anne Irungu, a paediatrician, measles infection causes immunosuppression (weakened immune system) during the active and convalescent period. At this stage, a child is prone to getting severe bacterial infections such as streptococcal pneumonia.

Measles is caused by a virus and thus treatment is only aimed at easing the symptoms while the immune system fights the virus.

With treatment, it takes about seven to 14 days for a child to recover. However, in children who have a weakened immune system, the recovery period may be longer.

Dear doc,

If my child is exposed to measles, how long does it take for her to develop symptoms and what exactly should I look out for?

Mama Cindy.

Dear Mama Cindy,

Measles has an incubation period of between three and 21 days. This is the time period between when a child becomes infected with the measles virus and when symptoms develop. Usually, measles has a typical rash but other viral exanthems (widespread rash) are similar or eczema and allergic skin rash.

The rash tends to develop behind the ears, on the face and upper neck and subsequently spreads to other body parts which include the feet, legs and arms. Other accompanying symptoms include high fever, runny nose, dry cough and sore, red and watery eyes (conjunctivitis). Small white spots may develop inside the mouth during the early stage of the illness.

Dear doc,

How serious is measles and can it cause any complications in a child?

Jameson.

Dear Jameson,

Measles is a serious illness as it weakens a child making him or her unable to carry out daily activities such as going to school. Children who are poorly fed, particularly those lacking adequate amount of vitamin A, or those who are immunosuppressed as a result of diseases like HIV/ AIDS are more likely to develop complications.

These complications can be particularly severe and are normally more common among children aged five years and below. The most common may include severe diarrhoea and dehydration, infections of the ear, respiratory infections like pneumonia, or encephalitis (an infection of the brain that causes it to swell). Few or rare cases of infertility may occur after an infection with measles.

Dear doc,

How is measles transmitted and can it be spread during incubation period?

Gatithi.

Dear Gatithi,

Measles is a very contagious infection. and therefore most children who are yet  to receive the measles vaccine are at a great risk of getting infected if they come into contact with a person who is infected.

The virus is usually present in secretions from throat and nose of an infected person and thus easily spreads through sneezing and coughing. Close contact between persons, or getting into direct contact with infected secretions also spreads the virus. The measles virus can remain active and transmittable on infected surfaces like utensils and in the air for up to two hours.

A person who is infected can transmit the virus four days before the rash appears and four days after the rash has erupted. Therefore, it is advisable for a child to avoid school or day care for at least four days after the onset of a rash to lower the risk of spreading the infection to other children.

Dear doc,

How does measles vaccine work and when should a child get the vaccination. Thanks,

First time mum.

Dear first time mum,

Getting your child vaccinated against measles is the best way to protect him or her from catching the disease. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is given to children as part of childhood immunisation programme. MMR vaccine is safe and effective. It is a combined vaccine — it protects a child against three different diseases namely mumps, measles and rubella in just a single shot. The vaccine contains the live but weakened viruses of mumps, measles and rubella. It works by triggering a child’s immune system to generate antibodies against these illnesses.

If a child is exposed to any of these illnesses in future, the body identifies it and responds immediately by producing the needed antibodies to fight it. The vaccine is usually given to children at the ages of between six and nine months, and then a booster vaccine at the age of 18 months.

The vaccine may also be recommended when there is an outbreak of measles in a particular area. The MMR vaccine is not given to babies below six months because the mother normally passes on antibodies during birth which can give the baby protection in their first few months.

However, the maternal antibodies reduce as the baby grows and are nearly all diminished by the time the child receives the MMR, at the age of about nine months. In Kenya, measles vaccination is part of the routine immunisation schedule provided by the government. The measles vaccine is given to children once they are nine months of age.

For this reason, the vaccine should not be delayed beyond nine months.

KNOW YOUR BODY

Managing a measles infection

Since viruses are responsible for causing measles, there is no particular medication to cure it.

Antibiotics are normally not given since they do not kill viruses. The symptoms usually take about a week to two to disappear depending on the strength of child’s immune system.

The symptoms of measles can cause your child a lot of discomfort. Though there is no cure, there are some things you can do to help the sick child feel as comfortable as possible while the immune system fights the virus; 

Seek medical attention

If you suspect your child has measles, consult a doctor immediately so an accurate diagnosis can be made.

Ensure to strictly follow doctor’s recommendation which may include having the child to stay home until symptoms have subsided as measles is highly contagious. 

Feed the child well

Make sure that the meals you offer a child are balanced with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits and whole grains. These help boost the immune system hence promoting recovery. 

Give plenty of fluids

Just like with most diseases, measles drains the body of fluids faster than normal, particularly when a child has a fever.

It is therefore important to keep the child hydrated to reduce the risk of dehydration.

To avoid this, give fluids such as water, diluted fruit juices, milk or soups.

Keeping a child hydrated also helps ease the discomfort caused by a dry cough. Warm drinks, and especially those containing lemon can help relax the airways and also soothe a dry cough. 

Control pain and fever

Measles is in most cases accompanied with high temperatures (fever).

To help lower fever and ease pains or aches, give the child an Over-The-Counter (OTC) paracetamol or ibuprofen. A syrup paracetamol may be given to young children.

Follow instructions as indicated on the package for correct dosage.

However, aspirin should not be given to young children as it is associated with a rare but serious condition known as Reye’s syndrome.

Consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure of which painkillers to give to your child. 

Vitamin A supplements

A dose of Vitamin A is usually given with measles. It helps refurbish the low levels of vitamin A during measles and prevents severe complications resulting from measles infection. 

Adequate rest

Have the child get enough rest as possible to help with recovery. 

Measles infection costs the body a lot of energy to fight off the virus. Additionally, symptoms of measles may leave the child feeling fatigued and drained than normal.

Make sure that the child gets enough sleep and limit amount of physical activities when the child is sick. By getting adequate rest, you allow the body enough time to fight off the virus. 

Skin care

Ensure to keep the child’s skin clean and moisturised. Children with measles are prone to getting bacterial infections. 

Keep the eyes clean

Often, measles is accompanied by conjunctivitis which is mostly characterised by an excessive production of discharge in a child’s eyes. This discharge may result into “crusty” eyes or the eyes may stick when shut. To get rid of this crustiness, dip a cotton ball or a soft wash cloth into clean, warm water and use it to wipe the corners of the eyes. When cleaning the eyes, press gently because the eyes are already inflamed hence more sensitive to pain. Use a different cotton ball for each eye to avoid spreading the infection in case only one eye is infected.