Measles can be a serious childhood infection. Although it
is now rare in developed countries due to immunization, it
is still a common cause of death in many developing countries.
Indonesia reported 30,000 deaths in 2006, and has prompted
the government to launch a major vaccination campaign in August
of this year.
Measles is highly contagious. An un-immunized child is very
likely to catch it if exposed to a person who has measles.
Measles is not just one of the things that children catch
and get over. Children often get very sick with measles and
they can have serious health problems and even die. Young
children in groups such as child care and playgroups are particularly
at risk of measles if they have not been immunized.
What is measles?
• Measles is a serious illness caused by a virus and
it is easily spread to other people.
• It is usually spread by droplets (through coughing,
sneezing, runny nose, or runny eyes).
• The first signs come about 10 to 12 days after being
in contact with measles. These include a fever, cough and
sore, red eyes (conjunctivitis).
• After 2 to 3 days the measles rash appears. This is
the time when the person is most unwell.
• Fever tends to improve after 2 to 3 days and the person
usually quickly recovers unless there are other problems caused
by the measles, such as ear infections, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Health problems from measles
Other health problems happen often and include ear infections,
pneumonia, bronchitis and diarrhea.
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) happens in around
1 in every 1000 cases, and about 15% of these children die.
A further 15 to 40% are left with permanent brain damage.
There are also other rarer serious health problems from measles,
such as an encephalitis (subacute sclerosing panencephalitis,
SSPE) which occurs several years after the measles illness
and causes progressive brain damage and death. This occurs
in about 1 in 25,000 cases.
Measles tends to be worse in older children and adults, and
is a common cause of death when children are malnourished
or have other serious health problems and are un-immunized.
Protecting children from measles
• Measles vaccination in the form of MMR (Measles, Mumps,
Rubella) is recommended for children when they are 12 months
old and when they are 4 years old (immediately after their
4th birthday is suggested or before starting school).
• Anyone who might have been in contact with measles
should see their doctor for immunisation as soon as possible
(within 72 hours), unless there is good evidence that the
child or adult has had 2 doses of measles vaccine or has already
had measles.
• If you are uncertain whether you or your child has
had 2 doses of vaccine (or had the illness) get another dose
of measles vaccine. There are no health risks in giving a
dose of the vaccine to someone who is already immune.
• Immunization is likely to prevent the development
of measles, because the immunization builds up the body’s
defenses more quickly after immunization (4 to 6 days) than
the virus infection develops (10 to 14 days).
(In 1993, one group of researchers in the UK suggested there
might be a link between MMR and inflammatory bowel syndrome
and autism. No other research has shown any link and extensive
research has shown no link.)
Keeping children away from school or child care
Keep the child away from other children and anyone who has
not been immunized for at least four days after the start
of the rash. (This may not prevent others getting measles,
since measles is also very infectious before the rash comes).
If un-immunized people are immunized within 72 hours of their
contact with measles they can return to school, child care
or work.
What you can do
Children with measles should be seen by a doctor for treatment
and to watch for any other health problems. Since measles
spreads so easily, a home visit by a doctor should be arranged,
or an appointment at the doctor’s rooms can be arranged
that does not put other people at risk.
Children with measles need rest and extra drinks, and paracetamol
can be used for high fever.
Eyes will be sensitive to light, and usually the child will
feel better in lower light. Light will not harm the eyes,
but it can hurt them.
Do not take you child out to places where other people may
be exposed to your child’s infection.
In countries or communities where a child’s diet may
be deficient in Vitamin A, extra Vitamin A can help recovery
from measles (care is needed to select the correct dose).
“Kim Patra is a qualified Registered Nurse and Midwife
that has been living and working in Bali for almost twenty
years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral
service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any
health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail
at info@chcbali.com or Hp. 081 2366 0000”.
