Measles is a childhood disease that is very contagious ("catching"). There are two kinds of measles, rubella and rubeola.

It is important to have your child vaccinated with all baby shots. The MMR vaccine will prevent your child from getting measles. Talk to your child's doctor about this.

Signs and symptoms:

• Reddish, brown rash seen first on the face and neck, spreading quickly over the whole body. The rash may last 5 - 7 days.
• Fever, cough, and runny nose a few days before rash develops. Fever may last about 7 days.
• Red and watery eyes that may be sensitive to light.

What can you do if your child does get the measles?

• Use acetaminophen (Tylenol or Tempra) for fever. Be sure to give the right dose for your child's age and size.
• Bathe your child as usual. It may help him feel better.
• Do not let him be around others for about 5 days from the start of the rash. He is contagious during this time. Do not send him to school.
• Give your child toys or games to play to pass the time.
• There are no medicines to treat measles.

Call your child's doctor if he has:

• Ear pain.
• Fever that lasts more than three days after the rash starts.
• Breathing problems.
• Vomiting.
• Seizures.
• A change in normal activity toward the end of the illness.

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