Several outbreaks of measles across NSW in recent weeks has brought the highly contagious disease back into the spotlight.
Measles can be passed on by just being in the same room as an infected person so it’s worth knowing exactly what the disease is, how to identify the symptoms and what you can do to protect your family.
What causes measles?
Measles is caused by a virus that lives in the mouth and nose of infected kids. When they coughs or sneeze, the virus becomes airborne, making the disease so contagious that just being in the same room with an infected child can result in your child contracting the disease.
Is measles serious?
Complications from measles can be serious. About one third of kids who get measles will have complications such as ear infections, diarrhoea or pneumonia. Serious complications may include encephalitis.
Can I prevent measles?
The best way to prevent measles is by having your child vaccinated with two doses of the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine. The vaccine is given at 12 months and again at four years. If your child develops measles, keep him home until he is no longer infectious – about four days after the rash appears.
How to spot measles. Source: Kidspot
How do I know if my child has measles?
Measles is characterised by a tell-tale rash, which usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Other symptoms which can come on earlier include:
- fever
- generally feeling unwell
- a runny nose or a sniffle
- sore, red eyes
- a dry cough
- spots inside the mouth
How do I treat measles?
There really is no specific treatment for measles. If you know your child has been exposed to measles and has not been vaccinated, you may still be able to prevent the infection by having him vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure. If your child does develop measles, just keep him comfortable until his symptoms go away. Use paracetamol for fever, body aches and headache and keep him away from other kids so the illness doesn’t spread.
Should I call the doctor?
Since measles is very contagious, you should notify people your child has had contact with. Doctors, childcare centres and schools have to notify the government whenever a case of measles has been confirmed to prevent the spread to other people.
What you need to know about measles
- Measles is a serious disease that has all but been eliminated due to vaccination.
- Measles is prevented by the MMR vaccine.
- A measles infection lasts about 10 days.
- Measles is so contagious you can get it from just being in the same room as an infected person.
