How to Tell When Someone Has the Measles

According to JAMA, during January 1–April 25, 2008, a total of 64 cases of measles were confirmed and reported to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Of the 64 reported cases, 54 of them were imported from other countries into the United States. There was no indication that any of these individuals had been vaccinated against measles. Individuals who have been vaccinated and who have had the measles are considered immunized and typically cannot catch this highly contagious disease. Since many children are immunized early in life, you may not have ever seen the measles. Read this article to tell when someone has the measles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Acetaminophen
• Aspirin or Ibuprofen
• Vaporizer
• Dark room or eye mask
• Isolation

1. Look for common symptoms such as fever and cough.
   
   Both children and adults can get the measles. It is a viral disease that typically begins with fever immediately followed by weakness, a dry cough, and inflamed eyes that are sensitive to light. Assess any complaints from a child that involves these symptoms.

2. Look for gum irritation and a rash.
   
   The measles produce fine red spots inside the mouth near the molar teeth. These fine red spots are called Koplik’s Spot and ten to fade away and be replaced by a rash. The rash starts at the hairline, then spreads to the face, neck and ears. The rash eventually spreads over the whole body and last between 4 and 7 days. The rash will itch, but don't scratch as that will make it worst.

3. Protect eyes from bright light.
   
   The eyes become extremely sensitive to sunlight and most other bright lights. One should use sunglasses or an eye mask to protect themselves from this discomfort.

4. Isolate the individual.
   
   A person with measles should be isolated immediately. The disease is a highly contagious disease that can be spread to others who are not immunized long before it reaches its maturity in the affected person.

5. Use over-the-counter medication as treatment.
   
   Use aspirin, Tylenol or Ibuprofen and acetaminophen to treat the fever and other discomforts that flare up. A vaporizer would help with the cough. Only individuals who have had the measles or have been immunized should be around the affected person.

6. Use caution.
   
   Even though measles was pretty common place prior to the vaccine, it can cause death. Pneumonia has known to result from measles and that can lead to complications. Make sure the affected person sees the doctor if they experience convulsions, bleeding, difficulty with breathing, sore throat, rapid breathing, earache, vomiting or severe lethargy or headaches.

Tips & Warnings

• When the rash starts itching, try rubbing corn meal on the area that itches.

Resources

• Measles—United States, JAMA. 2008;299(22):2621-2623.
• Take Care of Yourself - Donald Vickery et.al.
• How to Choose a Doctor
• How to Deal With Insomnia

[luv2blog]

on 11/7/2008 mom - I'm glad the article helped.

[MomWhoWrites]

on 11/7/2008 Thank you for this information. A neighbor of mine recently contracted measles and I was terrified (as a mom to 4) mainly since I was not informed as to what it was. So, again thanks for the article.

[luv2blog]

on 10/26/2008 buitenstander - just ask the person if they have seen a doctor and suggest to them that they might have the measles. Remember, seriously, measles is contagious. I know. Before they discovered the vaccines, one person could get it and then the whole house would get it. I saw that a lot coming up. I've had it and most of my siblings and childhood friends have had it. It' a pure week of misery! (lol)

[buitenstaander]

on 10/24/2008 Great info - now... how would you tell someone that they have measles? lol

[HairCrazy]

on 10/2/2008 My son had the measles last spring. He was immunized when he was little, but hte doctor said that this was a new run of the measles from Holland. Always good to know, you never know when and how they will pop up!