Measles, also known as rubeola, is a viral infection (Morbillivirus) of your respiratory system. Measles is very rare in the United States. Measles is spread through respiration , and is highly contagious—90% of people without immunity sharing a house with an contaminated person will catch it. Measles is highly contagious. When someone with measles sneezes or coughs, he or she can spread virus droplets through the air and infect others. It causes a total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough, and runny nose. Measles symptoms and signs appear 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus.Measles typically begins with a mild to moderate fever. Other signs and symptoms, such as a persistent cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis) and sore throat.

Measles virus (MV) is an enveloped, nonsegmented negative-stranded RNA virus of the Paramyxoviridae family. Measles is more common in lesser developed countries, particularly where people suffer from vitamin A deficiency as part of malnutrition. In the UK all children between the age of 12 and 15 months are offered the MMR vaccination, which will protect them from measles, mumps and rubella. Measles is often an unpleasant mild or moderately severe illness. Severe measles is particularly likely in poorly nourished young children, especially those who do not receive sufficient vitamin A, or whose immune systems have been weakened by HIV/AIDS or other diseases. Complications are more common in children under the age of five or adults over the age of 20.

Antibiotics should be prescribed for treating eye and ear infections and pneumonia. Ribavirin, an anti-viral medicine, may be helpful in severe cases or when a child's immune system is weakened. Use a cool-mist vaporizer to relieve cough and to soothe breathing passages. Clean the vaporizer each day to prevent mold from growing. Avoid hot-water or steam vaporizers that can cause accidental burns and scalds in children. Routine immunization is highly effective in the prevention of measles. MMR vaccine is recommended for all measles vaccine doses to provide increased protection. Don't give aspirin to children because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or calamine lotion may help to ease the itch of the rash. Drink plenty of fluids to help avoid dehydration.

Measles Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Routine immunization is highly effective in the prevention of measles

2. Rest in bed, if that makes you or your child more comfortable.

3. Sponge baths with lukewarm water to the face and upper body.

4. Drink plenty of fluids to help avoid dehydration.

5. Use a cool-mist vaporizer to relieve cough and to soothe breathing passages.

6. Clean the vaporizer each day to prevent mold from growing.

8. Avoid hot-water or steam vaporizers that can cause accidental burns and scalds in children.

9. A humidifier or vaporizer may ease the cough.

10. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or calamine lotion may help to ease the itch of the rash.