A very contagious illness
Measles is caused by a virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even breathes. It is one of the most contagious diseases in the world: almost every unvaccinated child who is near a sick person will catch it. Outbreaks are common in late winter and spring, and in Afghanistan measles still causes many child deaths.
Signs of measles
- High fever
- Cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes
- A red rash that appears a few days later on the face and behind the ears, then spreads to the body
Measles weakens the body. It can lead to pneumonia, severe diarrhoea, ear infections, eye damage and blindness, swelling of the brain, and malnutrition. Babies, malnourished children and children with weak immunity are at the highest risk.
Vaccination is the best protection
The measles vaccine is safe and effective. Children need two doses to be well protected. The doses are given as part of routine vaccination at health centres and also during special campaigns. Check your child's vaccination card, and if a dose was missed, go to the health centre to catch up. It is never too late.
Caring for a child with measles
- Keep the child at home and away from other children, babies and pregnant women.
- Give plenty of fluids, and continue breastfeeding and small, frequent meals.
- Keep the eyes clean with a clean cloth and clean water.
- A health worker may give vitamin A, which helps protect the eyes and reduces complications.
When to see a doctor
Every child with suspected measles should be checked by a health worker. Go to the nearest hospital immediately if the child has difficult or fast breathing, cannot drink or breastfeed, is very sleepy or unconscious, has a convulsion, has severe diarrhoea, or has painful or cloudy eyes.
To talk about symptoms or vaccination, book a consultation with a doctor in the app or visit a clinic.