Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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DESCRIPTION (Diagnosis must be confirmed by a physician.)

• 3 or 4 days of red eyes, cough, runny nose and fever before the rash begins
• Pronounced blotchy red rash starting on the face and spreading downward over the entire body in 3 days
• White specks on the lining of the mouth (Koplik's spots)
• Exposure to a child with measles 10 to 12 days earlier.

CAUSE

The measles virus.

EXPECTED COURSE

Measles can be a miserable illness. The rash usually lasts 7 days. Your child will usually begin to feel a lot better by the fourth day of the rash. Ear and eye infections are common complications.

HOME CARE

1. Treatment
   • Fever: Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen in the usual dosage for your child's age.
   • Cough: Use corn syrup for children less than 1 year old, honey for children 1 to 4 years old, or cough drops for children over 4 years old. If the cough interferes with sleep, give a cough suppressant such as dextromethorphan (DM). Also, use a humidifier.
   • Red eyes: Wipe your child's eyes frequently with a clean, wet cotton ball. The eyes are usually sensitive to bright light, so your child probably won't want to go outside for several days unless he wears sunglasses.
   • Rash: The rash requires no treatment.

2. Contagiousness

   The disease is no longer contagious after the rash is gone. This usually takes 7 days.

3. Measles exposure

   Any child or adult who has been exposed to your child and who has not had measles or the measles vaccine should call his physician. If given early, a measles vaccine is often protective.

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Breathing becomes labored AND no better after you clear the nose.
• Your child becomes confused or difficult to awaken.
• Your child develops a severe headache.
• Your child starts acting very sick.

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN WITHIN 24 HOURS IF:

• Your child develops an earache.
• The eyes develop a yellow discharge.
• Your child develops sinus pain or pressure.
• The fever is still present on the fourth day of the rash.
• Fever returns after the temperature has been normal for more than 24 hours.
• You have other concerns or questions.