Other Names:
Rubeola

Symptoms:
First symptoms are fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and inflammation of the eyes. The eyes may become red and sensitive to light. Within 24-48 hours, small red spots with white centers appear on the insides of the cheeks. A rash appears 3-5 days later on the sides of the neck, forehead, and ears; then it spreads over 5-7 days to the rest of the body. As it spreads, the fever subsides

Cause:
There are two types of measles: common measles (rubeola) and German measles (rubella; which see). Common measles is highly contagious, and spread by droplets from the nose, throat, and mouth. At the present time, adolescents and young adults are affected more often than children. If the person was previously healthy, the disease will pass within 10 days.

But it can be followed by one of several serious complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, croup, middle-ear infection, meningitis, encephalitis, or injury to the nervous system.

So be very careful, during the disease and for a time afterward. Eat right; live right. Get lots of rest for a time. Take it easy.

Approximately 98% of the population have had common measles. Lifelong immunity follows the infection.

Treatment:
• He should be isolated in a room which is well-ventilated. If he is sensitive to light, darken the room. He should not read or watch television. Keep the lights dim.

• Drink plenty of water and fruit and vegetable juices.

• Fevers increase the body's need for calories and vitamins A and C. He should be encouraged, but not forced, to eat. Frequent small meals of nourishing food may be best.

• Avoid processed foods.

• Rest until the rash and fever have disappeared.

• Garlic or catnip tea enemas help lower fever.

• If a cough is present, cool moisture from a vaporizer may help. But water given copiously is the best cough medicine.

• A hot bath may help reduce the fever. Place the child in a hot tub (105o-108o F.) for one minute for each year of his age. Keep the head cool. This may be repeated every 2 hours. Dress him warmly afterward, so chilling does not occur.

• Bronchitis may occur, and can be treated with hot fomentations to the chest. Apply them twice a day, along with a hot footbath. A heating compress can be applied at night.

• Helpful herbs include yarrow, pleurisy root, and marigold.

• Antibiotics are useless against measles and do not decrease the likelihood of complications. But it could be used, in an emergency, if complications occur.

• Complications can be serious, but are unlikely in the developed nations. Most such problems stem from secondary bacterial infection, primarily middle-ear infection or pneumonia. But special care and vigorous use of simple natural remedies can generally deal with them.

• Do not give aspirin to a child or youth with a fever; it may result in death! (See "Reye's Syndrome.")