Measles in children is a contagious disease that can occur year-round, but outbreaks tend to increase during the winter season, placing children at higher risk. Measles is a disease that requires close monitoring as it spreads easily and commonly causes fever accompanied by a rash. In addition to measles, parents should also be cautious of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), another viral infection frequently found in young children. In some cases, measles may lead to serious complications, making awareness, prevention, and early care especially important.
Measles is caused by the measles virus and is transmitted through inhalation of respiratory droplets contaminated with the virus or through direct contact with the saliva or nasal secretions of an infected person. The measles virus spreads extremely easily, and infected individuals can transmit the virus for up to four days after the rash first appears. Studies have shown that the virus can remain airborne for as long as two hours, and people who are exposed without immunity have up to a 90% chance of becoming infected.
Symptoms of Measles
Measles typically causes fever accompanied by a rash, with symptoms appearing about 8–12 days after exposure to the virus.
• Fever stage: The illness usually begins with fever, a prominent cough, red and watery eyes, and redness of the mouth. Cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose may occur, and some children may also experience diarrhea. As the illness progresses, symptoms worsen, the fever rises, and frequent loose stools may be observed.
• Rash stage: About 3–4 days after the onset of fever, a skin rash begins to appear. The rash is initially red and usually starts along the hairline and behind the ears, then gradually spreads to the face, body, arms, and legs. Within 2–3 days, the rash can cover most of the body. As recovery begins, the fever subsides and the rash darkens to a deep red or brownish-red color, which may last for up to one week, while coughing may persist for up to two weeks.
Complications
Most cases of measles usually resolve on their own, and complications are relatively uncommon. However, complications are more frequently found in children under one year of age or in those with malnutrition, a condition in which the body does not receive adequate or appropriate nutrients.
The complications that may commonly occur include:
• Pneumonia
• Diarrhea
• Middle ear infection
• Secondary bacterial infections
• In rare cases, severe complications such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) may occur
Basic Care for Children with Measles
As measles is caused by a viral infection, there is no specific cure. Parents can provide initial home care if the child’s symptoms are not severe. Doctors usually provide symptomatic treatment similar to that for the common cold, such as:
• Taking fever-reducing medication
• Other medications to relieve symptoms, such as cough medicine
• Getting adequate rest and drinking plenty of fluids
• Currently, vitamin A supplementation is recommended for all measles patients for two days, as it can help reduce complications and lower the risk of death
• If the child’s condition does not improve — such as persistent coughing, mucus turning yellow-green, or difficulty breathing — parents should take the child to see a doctor for appropriate medical treatment
Measles Prevention That Parents Can Do
• Avoid close contact with infected individuals, as the risk of transmission after exposure is extremely high
• Vaccination: Currently, the measles vaccine is included in the national immunization program of the Ministry of Public Health and is recommended for all children. The first dose should be given at 9–12 months of age, followed by a booster dose at around 2½ years old
Heartfelt thanks for Ms. Piyarat ‘Ann’ Lertbannaphong, M.D., a specialized pediatrician.
Crated At 04/02/2026
