Overview

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. It spreads easily from person to person and can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems.

How It Spreads

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world. It spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes out tiny saliva or mucus droplets. These droplets can remain in the air for up to two hours, infecting anyone nearby who is not immune.

Symptoms

The first signs of measles usually include:

• High fever
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Runny nose and sneezing (coryza)
• Dry cough
• A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward over the body. The rash doesn’t itch or form blisters. 

Prevention & Treatment

The best way to prevent measles is vaccination. The measles vaccine is included in South Africa’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI):

• First dose: 6 months
• Second dose: 12 months

In the private sector and military healthcare facilities, the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is available:

• First dose: 12 months
• Second dose: 18 months

If a child has missed a dose, it’s never too late to catch up on vaccination.

There is no cure for measles, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Vitamin A is given to all children with measles to help protect their eyes and reduce the severity of the disease.