Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It mostly affects children who have not been vaccinated. Measles can cause pneumonia, severe diarrhoea, blindness and brain swelling, and it is a common cause of child deaths in Afghanistan, especially in malnourished children. Two doses of vaccine give strong protection.
Symptoms
- High fever
- Cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes
- Small white spots inside the cheeks
- A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and behind the ears and spreads down the body
- Tiredness and poor appetite
- Diarrhoea in some children
Causes
- Measles virus
- Breathing in droplets from an infected person
- The virus can stay in the air of a room for up to 2 hours
- Not being vaccinated or missing the second dose
- Malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency make it more severe
Prevention
- Two doses of measles vaccine, given free in the routine childhood programme (around 9 and 18 months)
- Take part in measles vaccination campaigns
- Keep a sick child away from other children and pregnant women until 4 days after the rash appears
- Good nutrition and vitamin A supplements for children
Treatment
- There is no medicine that kills the measles virus
- Vitamin A doses given by a health worker reduce complications and eye damage
- Plenty of fluids, continued feeding and breastfeeding
- Paracetamol for fever, as advised
- Clean the eyes gently with clean water
- Antibiotics only if a doctor finds a bacterial complication such as pneumonia
- Do not start antibiotics or other prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
My child already had measles. Does my child still need the vaccine?
Children who truly had measles are protected for life, but other illnesses with a rash are often mistaken for measles. It is safe to give the vaccine anyway, so follow the vaccine schedule.
Why is vitamin A given for measles?
Measles lowers vitamin A in the body, which can damage the eyes and make the illness worse. Vitamin A given by a health worker lowers the risk of blindness and death.