Measles (rubeola)

Measles are caused by a virus. The virus takes about 11 days to develop.

This is an unusual illness now that vaccines are given to so many children.

If you think your child has this virus, please make an appointment with your health care provider.

The following symptoms appear two to four days before the skin rash:

• cough
• runny nose
• eye pain, swelling and drainage
• fever
• fatigue.

On the third or fourth day, a rash starts behind your child's ears. The rash spreads to the forehead, scalp, nose, mouth and neck.

Your child may have a body temperature of 103 or 104 degrees F. The cold-like symptoms become worse while the rash spreads all over your child's body.

As the spots multiply, they form large red blotches. The spots may give your child a burning or itching feeling.

On the sixth or seventh day, peeling may start on your child's face. The peeling will occur in the same order as the rash appeared.

Antibiotics will not help treat the measles. The virus will have to run its course.

The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine should be given to your child at 12-15 months old and again at kindergarten entry (age 5).

German measles (rubella)

German measles (rubella) are caused by a virus. The virus takes about 14 to 21 days to develop. The following are symptoms of rubella:

• mild cold
• fever
• pink rash that starts on the face and neck and covers the body within two days
• pain when your child moves his eyes.

The rash can run together or show up as little spots. It can look like measles (rubeola) or scarlet fever. The rash goes away quickly from the face and neck.

Your child can spread rubella one to two days before the rash and about two days after the rash appears.

Rubella is a serious disease for an unborn child. If your pregnancy is in the first trimester (the first three months) and you get rubella, see your health care provider right away.

How to make your child more comfortable

Give your child:

• extra liquids
• acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®) for fever. Follow the package directions for your child's height, weight or age.
• well-balanced meals.

Antibiotics will not help treat the measles. The virus will have to run its course.

The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine should be given to your child at 12-15 months old and again at kindergarten entry (age 5).