Measles

If your child has had the MMR jab he won't be at risk of catching measles. However, you may still be at the stage where you are still undecided whether to arrange for him to have the MMR inoculation - many don't, so the following may help.

Measles is an infectious viral disease that usually occurs in late winter or spring.

Symptoms include: fever, a cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a rash. The child's temperature will often climb to 105F/40.6C. The child's eyes will usually be sensitive to light.

One identifying sign is the appearance of 'Koplik's spots' found inside the mouth. These are small, mostly red in colour but with blue-white centres. The spots appear two or three days before the rash.

Measles lasts about 10-14 days, although many of the symptoms will cease on the appearance of the rash. The cough, however, will usually be present for the full period.

Unless instructed to by your doctor, do not give aspirin to a child who has a viral illness as the use of aspirin in such cases has been associated with the development of Reye Syndrome, a serious and potentially deadly encephalitis-like illness. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be used safely.

The basic treatment is to give supportive therapy: for example, encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids: water, fruit juice, and lemonade. While his eyes are sensitive to light he should not read or watch television.

Measles can be prevented by the MMR vaccine which also gives protection against mumps and rubella (German measles). This is given to children at 12-15 moths of age. A second dose is usually given at 4-6 years.

More than 95% of children receiving the first dose will develop immunity to all three diseases, while almost all of the remainder will develop immunity from the second dose.

More Information About Illnesses That Could Affect Your Baby