Family Casebook: Measles

Oct 12 2008 Dr Gareth Smith

MEASLES is on the increase due to all the concerns over the MMR vaccine and parents need to be aware of the symptoms.

The disease has been around for over 700 years and is caused by a viral infection. It is highly contagious and is spread by inhaling infected droplets that are spread through coughs and sneezes.

Symptoms start with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A raised, red rash starts on the head, usually behind the ear, then spreads down the body about three days after the fever starts. Spots on the palate in the mouth - called Koplick spots - are another common sign.

The real worry with measles is the high temperature and postmeasles complications.

These can include ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia and encephalitis. This can be very severe and leave permanent brain damage or even cause death.

My advice to everyone is to get their children vaccinated as measles can be a killer.