Top Things Parents Should Know About Measles

Many parents today don’t consider measles as a major threat to their child’s health. However, this could be a risky presumption.

According to the CDC, in 2019, the incidence rate for measles in the United States rose to a whopping 1,282 individual confirmed cases, spread out over 31 states. This figure was shocking to many people who believed, erroneously, that measles was a thing of the past.

It’s no wonder that the recent spike in measles cases took the nation by surprise. After all, our country hadn’t seen such a high number of cases since 1992.

So far, in 2022 there have already been at least 49 cases of measles reported over 5 U.S. jurisdictions. 

Knowing which measles symptoms to watch out for is essential to public health. Read on to learn about the top signs and symptoms of measles that parents need to know.

Measles Symptoms to Watch Out For

Symptoms of measles in children typically appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus, according to the Center for Disease Control. Far from “just a little rash”, the symptoms of a nasty flare-up can be quite severe.

Measles Rash

As one of the top trademark signs of the virus, the measles rash has received plenty of publicity over the years. But, what are you looking for exactly when looking for this particular skin irritation?

Measles appears as a flat, red rash that usually begins near the hairline and spreads down towards the neck, trunk, legs, and feet. You might also notice slightly raised centers in the middle of the flat, red lesions. The rash tends to show up 3 to 5 days after other symptoms of the virus begin to appear.

Fever

Speaking of other symptoms, what else can you expect with a case of measles?

One of the top indicators of the virus is a fever. Patients who have contracted measles can run a pretty high fever. We’re talking of temperatures that reach 104 degrees or more.

Koplik Spots

Another tell-tale sign of measles infection is Koplik spots. The term “Koplik spots” comes from Dr. Henry Koplik of New York, who first described them in 1896.

Koplik spots are tiny white spots that appear on the buccal mucosa during the first 2 to 3 days of infection. They are present in 60% to 70% of measles patients. These white lesions often first appear inside the mouth and throat of patients. They might also appear in other areas, such as the conjunctival fold, and vaginal or intestinal mucosa. 

At the height of the skin eruption, you can expect Koplik spots to be the most noticeable. After this point, they will begin to spread into bluish-white lesions. Eventually, Koplik spots will become less and less noticeable as time wears on until they disappear entirely.

Other Symptoms to Be Aware Of

Other symptoms that rear their ugly head during a measles breakout can closely resemble the symptoms of more common viruses.

These include a runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and a persistent cough. When paired with the trademark signs and symptoms listed above, these common viral symptoms could be a major sign of trouble.

Do You Think Your Child May Have Measles?

If you believe your child may be exhibiting measles symptoms, it’s important to seek medical care immediately.

Measles is a highly contagious disease and could lead to severe illness, especially if untreated.

If you think your child has been infected with measles, contact the emergency room in Everhart, TX to receive first-class treatment right away.

Sources:

“Measles Cases and Outbreaks” Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nov 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html

Prachi J, Manu R, “Koplik Spots” National Library of Medicine PubMed, Jan 2022, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31747200/

“Measles Signs and Symptoms” Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nov 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/signs-symptoms.html