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Measles (Paediatrics)

Very low urgency
Common-

It is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by a virus, specifically of the paramyxoviridae family of the genus Morbillivirus.

The virus is spread through droplets from breathing, coughing or secretions from the nose, mouth or throat.

The illness usually begins with fever, malaise, cold symptoms, red eyes, dry cough and the appearance of small white spots in the mouth. Around the third day after the onset of symptoms, the characteristic skin lesions appear.

Suspected diagnosis is made on the basis of a medical history and physical examination. It is confirmed by blood samples (serology), urine or pharyngeal secretions.

There is no specific treatment for measles although symptomatic treatment is recommended.

Bibliographic references
  1. Hayley Gans, MD, Yvonne A Maldonado, MD. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of measles. UpToDate. Feb 05, 2016.
  2. Hayley Gans, MD, Yvonne A Maldonado, MD. Prevention and treatment of measles. UpToDate. Apr 04, 2016.
  3. Perry RT, Gacic-Dobo M, Dabbagh A, et al. Global control and regional elimination of measles, 2000-2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2014; 63:103.
  4. Higgins JPT, Soares-Weiser K, Reingold A. Systematic review of the non-specific effects of BCG, DTP and measles containing vaccines. World Health Organization, Geneva 2014. www.who.int/immunization/sage/meetings/2014/april/3_NSE_Epidemiology_review_Report_to_SAGE_14_Mar_FINAL.pdf.
  5. Mina MJ, Metcalf CJ, de Swart RL, et al. Long-term measles-induced immunomodulation increases overall childhood infectious disease mortality. Science 2015; 348:694.
  6. Gershon A. Sarampión. Manual de diagnóstico y terapéutica médica Hospital Universitario 12 de octubre. 6ª edición. 2007. 573: 578.
Author
Dr. Elvira Moreno
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Small whitish spots on the inside of the cheek, tongue and palate

    Rash on palms and soles

    Fever / Feel very hot

    Multiple flat or slightly raised red bumps

    Feeling generally unwell

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever that doesn't subside with antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
If it is accompanied by seizures
Irritability or reduced response to stimuli
Headache
Difficulty breathing or drooling
Cough alongside blood or pus

Self-care

Take over-the-counter analgesics and check with your general practitioner to discuss other treatments.
Maintain a balanced diet: increase fruit, vegetable, and white meat consumption and reduce the intake of fatty meals and fritters.
Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
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