There is an outbreak of measles in our community right now. Following is information regarding measles and what you should do if you are concerned about a possible exposure in your family.

It is important to know that children and adults who have been fully immunized are not considered to be at risk.

What should I do if I’m concerned my child might have measles? Consult your pediatrician or family practice physician immediately. If you are being referred to Children’s Hospital for a blood test, your pediatrician should contact the Emergency Department prior to your arrival. Then, please go directly to the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department. A testing station has been set up in the Emergency Department to help screen for measles.

Please do not enter the hospital or clinics building and risk exposure of other patients and people.
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What is measles? Measles is an extremely serious and highly contagious viral disease that can be prevented by routine childhood vaccination.

How is measles prevented? The measles vaccine is usually given in combination with rubella and mumps vaccine (MMR). The current vaccination schedule suggests a first vaccine between 12 and 18 months of age. A second vaccine should be given between 4 and 6 years of age. If you are not sure if your child has received the MMR vaccine consult your pediatrician or family practice physician.

Who can get measles? Measles virus can infect any person of any age who has not previously had the disease or measles vaccine.

How is measles spread? Airborne droplets, from coughing or sneezing, spread the virus. It spreads easily and rapidly.

What are the signs and symptoms of measles? The disease begins with cold like signs and symptoms including a cough, runny nose high temperature and red, watery eyes. By the second day after onset, a red blotchy rash appears at the hairline and spreads down the body to the arms and legs. The rash disappears in the same order of appearance (head to foot) in about 5-6 days.

How soon do symptoms appear after exposure? It takes from 8-12 days for the cold-like symptoms to appear and 14 days for the rash.

How can parents be sure that their child’s illness is measles? The only sure way to determine if an illness is indeed measles is through a blood test.

When and for how long is a person able to spread measles? Measles can spread from one day before the onset of cold-like symptoms through the fourth day of the rash.

What are the complications associated with measles? Among children with measles, about 10 percent develop ear infections, about 5 percent develop pneumonia, about 0.1 percent  (1 per 1,000 cases) develop encephalitis (inflammation of the brain that can result in deafness or mental retardation) and in approximately 1 in 1,000 cases people die from it.

Is there a treatment for measles? There is no specific treatment for measles.

Can measles be prevented? Yes. Measles vaccine is recommended for all children at 12-15 months of age and again at 4-6 years of age. The two doses of vaccine normally provide life-long immunity.

For more information consult your pediatrician or contact your local public health department.

FAST FACT: A measles hotline has been established by the Milwaukee Health Department. Call (414) 286-3616.