Measles

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine should be given to your child between the ages of 12 months and 15 months. A second shot should be given between the ages of 4 and 6 (before your child starts school).

Measles is caused by a virus. The virus takes about 6 to 21 days to develop from the time of exposure. Your child can start spreading measles about 5 days before they are ill.

How to know your child has measles

Your child’s health care provider can do blood test to check for measles. However, blood tests may not be needed. They can often tell if your child has measles by doing an exam and learning about the symptoms.

Symptoms

The first symptoms can include:

• fever (up to 104 F)
• feeling achy and run down (cold-like symptoms)
• loss of appetite
• tiny white spots in the mouth.

After the first symptoms, your child may have:

• red, runny eyes. (Your child’s eyes may also be extra sensitive to bright light.)
• sneezing and coughing
• a red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body (The spots in the rash can form red patches.)
• a sore throat.

Your child may start to feel better about 2 days after the rash starts. After 3 or 4 days, the rash will start to turn brown and go away. The skin might peel or flake off, like after a sunburn. Your child may have a cough for 1 to 2 weeks after the rash goes away.

How to make your child more comfortable

• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.
• Give your child extra liquids.
• Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) or ibuprofen (Advil^®) to help with fever and aches. Follow the instructions for your child’s weight or age.

Do not give your child aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin. This can cause a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome, a life-threatening brain and liver disorder.