Pneumonia is a very general term that simply means the patient’s lungs are infected. Pneumonia can accompany measles. It begins in the nose and throat and moves into the lungs. Symptoms include fever, chills, vomiting and chest pain. However, because pneumonia that accompanies the measles virus is caused by a viral infection, symptoms aren’t usually severe. This type of pneumonia is contagious, as bacteria are found in salvia and mucous from the nose.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is mucous that drains from the eyes. You will see a white or greenish collection by the tear duct. Be sure to clean the eye gently with a clean washcloth or cotton ball. If symptoms worsen, contact your doctor.
Measles Protection
Measles can be prevented by a vaccine that is given to children from infancy to six years old. It can be administered as part of the vaccine schedule or within three days of exposure. However, use caution. The measles vaccine can have side effects in children who have had no previous health problems, though this is rare. In very special cases, people who have come into contact with measles can have an injection of gamma globulin, which are antibodies. This injection is usually reserved for infants, pregnant women and children who have cancer, HIV or other diseases that attack the immune system. Gamma Globulin must be given within six days of exposure to the measles virus in order to be effective. Immunizations are not compulsory for a child to attend school. If a school tells you that your child has to be immunized, explain that you know that this is not so. Schools and school districts cannot force you to immunize your child.
Incubation Period
The incubation period (time from exposure to outbreak of rash) is approximately fourteen days, but can be as few as ten days.
Duration
Measles last approximately two weeks from the time the first symptoms appear until the rash disappears. The first symptoms will usually appear 48 hours before the rash. The cough may last as long as the rash is visible or possibly a day or two longer. If, after that time period, the cough doesn’t abate, contact your child’s doctor in case there is another type of infection present.