Measles (Rubeola)

Treatment Overview

In cases without complications, measles is treated with bed rest and care at home. Home treatment includes drugs you can buy without a prescription that relieve pain and reduce fever, such as ibuprofen and similar drugs (for example, Advil, Motrin, Aleve) or acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol). Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 because of its link to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.

Antibiotics are not used to treat measles. But complications from the illness, such as pneumonia or an ear infection, may need antibiotic treatment.

Measles can cause a decrease in the level of vitamin A in the body, which can lead to dry eye syndrome (xerophthalmia) and blindness. Low levels of vitamin A in children raise the chance of death from measles complications.^{2, 3} Vitamin A supplements are recommended for:⁴

• Children ages 6 months to 2 years who are hospitalized because of measles or complications from measles.
• Children with measles who have impaired immune systems or vitamin A deficiency.
• All children who are diagnosed with measles in communities where vitamin A deficiency is a recognized problem, especially in developing countries or in remote regions.

Prevention

The measles vaccine is effective in preventing the disease. It is usually given in combination with the mumps and rubella (German measles) vaccines (MMR) or the mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (varicella) vaccines (MMRV). Because of widespread vaccination efforts, the disease is extremely rare in the United States, although it could quickly return if large numbers of people decide not to be vaccinated against it. Studies have found that the risk of a reaction to the vaccine for children who are allergic to eggs is extremely low. For more information, see the topic Immunizations. If you were born after 1956 or received an early version of the measles vaccine, check your immunization status before you travel to countries where measles is still common.

If the measles vaccine is given to people who are susceptible within 72 hours after they have been exposed to the measles virus, the vaccine will probably provide them with some protection against the disease.⁴

Another preventive option for a person who has been exposed to the measles virus is immune globulin (IG). An IG injection can prevent or shorten the measles illness. Babies younger than 1 year, pregnant women, and people who have impaired immune systems may need to get an IG injection if they are exposed to measles. Talk to your doctor if you or your child has been exposed to this illness.

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: April 7, 2009
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology
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