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Measles: What Parents Need to Know
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness with a distinctive rash. Here is what to watch for and how to care for your child.
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What it is
Measles is an infection caused by a virus. It spreads very easily from person to person [1][3]. The virus spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes [3][5]. It can cause serious problems and even death in some people [2][3]. Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children [3].
Symptoms usually begin 7–14 days after exposure [4]. Early symptoms last 4–7 days and include:
- Fever [1][2][4]
- Runny or blocked nose [1][2][4]
- Cough [1][2][4]
- Red, sore, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) [1][2][4]
- Feeling achy and run down [1]
- Small white spots inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips [1][2][4]
A blotchy red rash usually appears 3–5 days after the first symptoms [1][4]. It often starts on the face and upper neck, then spreads downward over about 3 days to the trunk, arms, legs, and feet [1][4]. The rash usually lasts 4–8 days before fading [4].
Measles can lead to complications, especially in children under 5 years and adults over 30 [4]. Complications can include blindness, encephalitis (brain swelling), severe diarrhoea, ear infections, and pneumonia [4]. Measles also weakens the immune system, leaving children vulnerable to other infections [4]. If a woman catches measles during pregnancy, it can be dangerous for the mother and may cause miscarriage or premature birth with low birth weight [4].
There is no treatment for measles itself [1]. The MMR or MMRV vaccine is the best way to prevent it [1][2][3][8]. Children should receive two doses of the vaccine [7]. The first dose is usually given at 9 months in countries where measles is common, or 12–15 months in other countries. A second dose is given later in childhood, usually at 15–18 months [7].
What you can do at home
Measles usually starts to get better in about a week [10]. After seeing a GP, you can help ease symptoms and reduce spread [10]. It can help to:
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids, such as water, to avoid dehydration [10]
- Give your child paracetamol for children or ibuprofen for children if they are distressed or uncomfortable – check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable, or ask a pharmacist or GP [10]
- Adults can take paracetamol or ibuprofen for a high temperature [10]
- Use cotton wool soaked in water that has been boiled and allowed to cool to gently remove crusts from the eyes [10]
To reduce the risk of spreading measles:
- Open windows and doors to help reduce spread – only open the top window or use safety catches if you have young children [5]
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water [5]
- Use tissues when you cough or sneeze and throw them in the bin immediately [5]
- Do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding [5]
Stay off nursery, school, or work for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears [10]. Also try to avoid close contact with babies, anyone who is pregnant, or anyone with a weakened immune system [10].
You are infectious from when you first have symptoms (around 4 days before the rash appears) until 4 days after you get the rash [5].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
Ask your doctor for an urgent appointment or get medical advice if [6]:
- You think you or your child may have measles [6]
- Your child is under 1 year old and has come into contact with someone who has measles [6]
- You have been in close contact with someone who has measles and you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system [6]
- You or your child have not had measles or 2 doses of the MMRV or MMR vaccine and have been in close contact with someone with measles [6]
- You or your child have a high temperature that has not come down after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen [6]
- You or your child have difficulty breathing – you may feel more short of breath than usual [6]
- Your baby or young child is not feeding well, or taking less feeds or fluids than usual [6]
- You or your child are peeing less than usual (or your baby has fewer wet nappies) [6]
- You or your child feels very unwell, or you are worried something is seriously wrong [6]
Measles can spread easily to others. Call your doctor’s surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone or arrange for you to come to a part of the surgery where you are separated from others [6].
Common questions
Is it measles if my child has been vaccinated? It is unlikely to be measles if your child has had both doses of the MMRV or MMR vaccine, or has had measles before [6].
What is the difference between measles and German measles? “German measles,” also known as rubella, is a completely different illness [1].
How long does measles last? Measles usually starts to get better in about a week [10]. The rash typically lasts 4–8 days before fading [4].
Sources
[1] MedlinePlus — “Measles” (2025), section “Introducción”, p. 1 — https://medlineplus.gov/measles.html [2] NHS — “Measles” (2025), section “Measles”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/ [3] WHO — “Measles”, section “Overview”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles [4] WHO — “Measles”, section “Signs and symptoms”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles [5] NHS — “Measles” (2025), section “How to avoid spreading or catching measles”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/ [6] NHS — “Measles” (2025), section “Vaccination or previous infection”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/ [7] WHO — “Measles”, section “Prevention”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles [8] NHS — “Measles” (2025), section “Get vaccinated against measles”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/ [10] NHS — “Measles” (2025), section “How to look after yourself or your child”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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