What Are the Symptoms of Measles? Measles Treatment

Measles is one of the most common infectious diseases of childhood, caused by a viral infection that can also occur in adults if vaccination and immunity are not provided. The Rubeola virus, which is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets, causes various symptoms along with red spots on the skin. Measles, once one of the most common childhood diseases, has been brought under control with the development of the measles vaccine. Initially, the Rubeola virus causes symptoms such as fever, weakness, and a runny nose. If left untreated, it can lead to severe health problems, including pneumonia and encephalitis, which can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to have knowledge about measles, including its symptoms and how it progresses, to maintain personal health and protect public health.

What Are the Symptoms of Measles?

What Are the Symptoms of Measles? Measles Treatment
Measles is one of the most common infectious diseases of childhood, caused by a viral infection that can also occur in adults if vaccination and immunity are not provided. The Rubeola virus, which is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets, causes various symptoms along with red spots on the skin. Measles, once one of the most common childhood diseases, has been brought under control with the development of the measles vaccine. Initially, the Rubeola virus causes symptoms such as fever, weakness, and a runny nose. If left untreated, it can lead to severe health problems, including pneumonia and encephalitis, which can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to have knowledge about measles, including its symptoms and how it progresses, to maintain personal health and protect public health.

What Are the Symptoms of Measles?
The symptoms of measles appear approximately 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The first symptoms of measles typically include:

Fever
Dry cough
Runny nose
Weakness
Sore throat
Redness in the eyes and around the eyes, accompanied by pain

Later, red spots, known as the measles rash, appear starting from the face, and these skin lesions quickly spread to other parts of the body. If the disease is not controlled and effective treatments are not applied, the following critical conditions may develop in addition to the aforementioned symptoms:

Diarrhea
Ear infections
Pneumonia
Even encephalitis

Measles Complications
Some of the most common complications of measles include:

Ear infections: A common complication in measles, often caused by bacterial infections.
Bronchitis or laryngitis
Lung inflammation
Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a common complication of measles. People with weakened immune systems may develop a particularly dangerous form of pneumonia, which can sometimes be fatal.

How is Measles Treated?

The symptoms and complaints that arise in individuals with measles are managed with rest, plenty of fluids, and the use of pain relievers and fever-reducing medications. To minimize the negative effects of measles and control its contagious impact on public health, immunity should be provided through the measles vaccine, and effective treatments should be applied in cases of insufficient immunity.

When is the Measles Vaccine Given?

As part of public health practices, the measles vaccine is one of the vaccinations given during childhood. Known as MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), this vaccine provides effective protection not only against measles but also against rubella and mumps. The first dose of the measles vaccine is administered at the end of the 12th month, and the second dose is given in the first grade of primary school. The second dose of the vaccine is administered as a booster shot to reinforce immunity and is one of the mandatory vaccinations known as the "booster vaccine."

Last Updated Date: 05 July 2023

Publication Date: 12 April 2018