Rubeola (measles)

Rubeola, also called 10-day measles, red measles, or measles, is a viral illness that results in a viral exanthem. Exanthem is another name for a rash or skin eruption. Rubeola has a distinct rash that helps aid in the diagnosis. It is spread from one child to another through direct contact with discharge from the nose and throat. Sometimes, it is spread through air-borne droplets from an infected child. This is a very contagious disease that usually consists of a rash, fever and cough.

What causes the measles?

Measles virus, the cause of measles, is classified as a Morbillivirus. It is mostly seen in the winter and spring. Rubeola is preventable by proper immunization with the measles vaccine.

What are the symptoms of the measles?

It may take between eight to 12 days for a child to develop symptoms of rubeola after being exposed to the disease. It is important to know that a child is contagious one to two days before the onset of signs and symptoms and three to five days after the rash develops. Therefore, children may be contagious before they even know they have the disease.

During the early phase of the disease (which lasts between one to four days), symptoms usually resemble those of an upper respiratory infection. The following are the common symptoms of rubeola. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Hacking cough
• Redness and irritation of the eyes
• Fever
• Small red spots with white centers appear on the inside of the cheek (usually occur two days before the rash on the skin appears)
• Rash - deep, red, flat rash that starts on the face and spreads down to the trunk, arms, and legs. The rash starts as small distinct lesions, which then combines as one big rash. After three to four days, the rash will begin to clear leaving a brownish discoloration and skin peeling.

The most serious complications from rubeola include the following:

• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Croup
• Inflammation of the brain

The symptoms of rubeola may resemble other skin conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

How is rubeola diagnosed?

Rubeola is usually diagnosed based on a complete medical history and physical examination of your child. The lesions of rubeola are unique, and usually allow for a diagnosis simply on physical examination. In addition, your child's physician may order blood or urine tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for rubeola:

Specific treatment for rubeola will be determined by your physician based on:

• Your child's age, overall health, and medical history
• Extent of the disease
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the disease
• Your opinion or preference

The goal of treatment for rubeola is to help prevent the disease, or decrease the severity of the symptoms. Since it is a viral infection, there is no cure for rubeola. Treatment may include:

• Increased fluid intake
• Acetaminophen for fever. Do not give aspirin to a child without first contacting the child's physician. Aspirin, when given as treatment for children, has been associated with Reye syndrome, a potentially serious or deadly disorder in children. Therefore, pediatricians and other healthcare providers recommend that aspirin (or any medication that contains aspirin) not be used to treat any viral illnesses in children.

If your child has been exposed but has not yet been immunized, your child's physician may give the vaccine to the child within 72 hours to help prevent the disease.

Prevention of rubeola:

Since the use of the rubeola (or measles) vaccine, the incidence of measles has decreased by 99 percent. About 5 percent of measles are due to vaccine failure. The measles vaccine is usually given in combination with the mumps and rubella vaccine. It is called the MMR. It is usually given when the child is 12 to 15 months old and then again between 4 to 6 years of age.

Other ways to prevent the spread of rubeola:

• Children should not attend school or day care for four days after the rash appears
• Ensure all of your child's contacts have been properly immunized