Measles is a disease caused by a highly contagious virus that can cause symptoms such as small red spots all over the body, fever above 39ºC and easy irritability. However, it is not common for babies aged 6 months to 1 year to have this infection.
Measles is an extremely contagious but relatively rare disease that can be prevented by administering the measles vaccine, which is included free of charge in the National Vaccination Plan. However, this vaccine is only indicated after the first 12 months of age and, therefore, some babies may end up having the disease before that age.
If you suspect measles, it is very important to consult your pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment.
Main symptoms
Initially, when the first spots appear on the skin, measles can be confused with an allergy, however, and unlike what happens with allergies, the baby usually presents other common symptoms, such as:
- Fever above 39ºC;
- Intense irritability;
- Persistent dry cough;
- Runny nose and redness in the eyes;
- Decreased appetite.
Furthermore, it is common for the spots to first appear on the scalp with a purplish-red color and only then spread throughout the body. The baby may also develop small bluish-white spots inside the mouth, known as Koplik spots. Find out more about these spots and when they disappear.
As soon as signs and symptoms possibly indicative of measles are noticed, it is important that the baby is taken to the pediatrician so that the diagnosis can be confirmed and the most appropriate treatment can be started.
How long does measles last
In general, high measles fever appears about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus and usually lasts between 4 and 7 days. In the case of spots on the skin, they can appear up to 14 days after contact with the virus and last between 5 and 6 days.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The best way to confirm a diagnosis of measles is to consult a pediatrician to evaluate symptoms and medical history. However, if there is a suspicion that the spots may be caused by another disease, the doctor may also order a blood test, for example.
Measles transmission
The virus responsible for measles can be easily spread in the environment through sneezing and coughing and through direct contact with secretions from the nose and throat of infected people.
Transmission of the virus is easiest to occur 4 days before and 4 days after symptoms appear.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for measles in babies involves the use of analgesics and antipyretics such as Dipyrone, to reduce the symptoms of the disease and improve the baby’s comfort. The World Health Organization also recommends vitamin A supplementation for all children diagnosed with measles.
Measles lasts an average of 10 days and during this period it is recommended to offer a light diet and plenty of water to avoid dehydration. If the baby is still breastfeeding, you should offer the breast several times a day, give baths with cold water and let the baby sleep for longer so that his immune system fights against the disease.
- To lower a fever naturally: Use a cold compress, placing it on the baby’s forehead, neck and groin. Wearing light clothes and keeping the baby in a well-ventilated place are also strategies that help control the temperature. See more tips for lowering a baby’s fever.
- To keep baby’s eyes clean and free of secretions: Apply a piece of cotton wool moistened with saline solution, always cleaning the eyes from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner. Offering cold, unsweetened chamomile tea can help keep the baby hydrated and calmer, making recovery easier. Find out other precautions to control conjunctivitis in babies.
Some pediatricians also recommend an antibiotic to prevent complications caused by measles, such as otitis or encephalitis, but only in cases of malnutrition or compromised immune system, as measles rarely has these complications.
Possible complications
Complications from measles are more common in children under 5 years of age who are not well nourished and have a weaker immune system, and in adults over 30 years of age. The main complications are encephalitis, blindness, otitis, pneumonia, severe diarrhea which can result in dehydration and, in the most serious cases, can cause death.
How to prevent measles
The measles vaccine included in the National Vaccination Plan must be administered after the 1st year of age. This happens because during the first months of life, the baby is protected with the measles antibodies that he received from his mother during pregnancy and during exclusive breastfeeding and, therefore, is protected from the disease.
However, children who were not exclusively breastfed may have a lower number of antibodies, which ends up facilitating the onset of the disease before 12 months. Furthermore, if the mother has never had the measles vaccine or has not had the disease, she may also not have antibodies to pass on to the baby, increasing the risk of the baby developing measles.
Find out more about the measles vaccine and how the vaccination schedule should be carried out.
Watch the following video and learn everything about measles:
