Measles

Alternate Names : Rubeola

What can be done to prevent the infection?

The measles vaccine is very effective at preventing measles in immunized people. In children, the vaccine is usually combined with the rubella and mumps vaccine and given as one shot, called the MMR vaccine, but it can be given alone. Side effects of the MMR vaccine include:

Other side effects are rare. The vaccine should not be given to pregnant women or to women who are planning on getting pregnant in the 3 months following immunization.

Another way to prevent the spread of infection is to isolate the infected person. An infected person with a normal immune system should stay home from school or work for 4 days after the rash appears. An infected person with autoimmune problems, where the body attacks its own tissues, may be contagious for even longer.

Some people with autoimmune problems should not have the measles vaccine. If these unprotected people are exposed to an infected person, they should receive immune globulin prophylaxis, an injection of disease-fighting proteins.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Although it is rare, measles encephalitis can leave a person with brain damage and can sometimes result in death. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a chronic degenerative brain disease.

What are the risks to others?

Measles is contagious and can be spread to other individuals.