Facts
• This was the most common viral rash in children before 1963.
• Because of the widespread use of the vaccine, measles is far less common now.
• Measles is caused by a paramyxovirus.
• This virus is transmitted through direct contact with droplets from the infected person.
Symptoms
• If your kid has measles, she will first appear very sick. She'll have some of the following:
- High fever for three to four days
- Chills
- Headache
- Red, sore eyes with thick discharge
- Persistent, hacking cough
• Spots occur in the mouth and gums, and then a red rash appears on the scalp and face and behind the ears.
• The rash then spreads downward until it reaches the feet.
• It then fades in the same order as it appeared.
Treatment
• The most important thing you can do for a child with measles is to be supportive.
• The complications of measles can be devastating. Some include:
- Encephalitis
- Hearing loss
- Mental retardation
- Seizure disorders
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