Measles facts for kids
Measles is a very contagious illness caused by a virus. It spreads easily from person to person. When someone with measles coughs or sneezes, tiny drops carrying the virus go into the air. Other people can then breathe these in and get sick.
People who have measles usually get a fever, a cough, a runny nose, and red eyes. A few days later, a bumpy red rash appears all over their body. This rash can be very itchy.
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What Are Measles Symptoms?
Early Signs of Measles
The first signs of measles often feel like a bad cold. You might have a sore throat, a high fever, and a cough. Your eyes might become red and watery. A runny nose is also very common.
The Measles Rash
After a few days, the well-known measles rash appears. It starts as small red spots, often behind the ears and on the face. These spots quickly spread to the rest of the body, including the chest, back, arms, and legs. The rash can look bumpy and feel very itchy.
Preventing Measles
Measles spreads very easily. If one person in a home gets measles, it is very likely that others living there will also catch it.
The MMR Vaccine
Luckily, there is a way to protect yourself from measles. Many children in developed countries receive a vaccination to prevent them from getting sick. This vaccination is an injection that helps your body learn to fight off the virus.
Often, children get the MMR vaccine. This single injection protects against three different diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. It is a very effective way to stay safe from these illnesses.
Treating Measles
There is no specific medicine that can cure measles once you have it. However, there are ways to help you feel better while your body fights the virus.
People with measles should get plenty of rest. They can also take medicines to help with pain and bring down a fever. Staying hydrated by drinking lots of fluids is also important.
Measles: Other Names
Measles is sometimes called rubeola. However, it is important to know that rubeola is not the same as rubella. Rubella is also known as "German measles." German scientists discovered rubella, which is why it has that name.
Images for kids
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An electron micrograph of the measles virus
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Drawing of the measles virus attaching to the lining of the trachea
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Incidence of and deaths due to measles in England and Wales between 1940 and 2017
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Measles cases in the US from 1938 to 2019
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16th-century Aztec drawing of someone with measles
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Maurice Hilleman's measles vaccine is estimated to prevent one million deaths per year.
See also
In Spanish: Sarampión para niños
