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Measles is an infection caused by a germ called the
measles virus. It causes cough, cold, fever and pinkish
spots. These pink spots develop on the 4th or 5th day
of sickness. This rash starts behind the ears, spreads
to the face and then gradually over rest of the body.
The fever also continues along with the rash. The rash
may completely cover your body in one – two days after
which it slowly disappears in the same manner in which
it started i.e. from the face to the body downwards.
The fever also disappears and you start improving.
Measles spreads from person to person. It can spread
through the cough, through the rash by skin contact.
Measles spreads maximum in the stage here you have the
cough, even before the rash has come.
Usually measles rash does not cause itching & disappears
leaving behind a brownish color on the skin that goes
away in 7 – 10 days. Sometimes, person with measles
may get ear infections and lung infections (pneumonia)
Measles can be prevented by taking a shot. Your doctor
must have given you a shot when you were about 9 months
old and again at 15 months of age.
Since measles spread rapidly
from person to person [it is a contagious (pronounced
as con – tae – ge – us)] disease, a child suffering
from measles may have to miss school for atleast 5 days
after the rash appears.
Your doctor may give you
medicine for your fever and cough and may advice your
mom to give you a complete bed rest.
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