MEASLES

Caring for a child with measles

If the child is still being breastfed continue breastfeeding.
= Give the child plenty of fluids if not breastfeeding.
= If the child has diarrhea, prepare, and give
salt and sugar solution (SSS).
= Give the child nutritious food
frequently in small amounts.
= Clean the child’s eyes with mildly
salty water every 4 hours.
= Avoid use of harmful herbs on
the child’s eyes.
= Give the child his or her
medication as prescribed by
your health worker.
= Take the child back to the
nearest health facility or
health worker if their
REMEMBER
conditionc is = Have your child’s primary = If the child is not able to drink,
deteriorating. immunisation course completed develops fever, has difficult or
before their first birthday. fast breathing or breastfeeding
poorly he/she should be taken
= Ensure vitamin A supplementation
to hospital/clinic immediately.
for your child starting at six months
and every six months there after. = Feed your child with nutritious
food and fluids more frequently
= Breastfeeding for at least twenty four
during illness.
months or more will protect children
from infections and illnesses.

For more information ask your health care worker or visit your
nearest clinic
What is Measles?
Measles is a severe disease caused by a virus. It is Signs of
measles
normally passed through direct contact with an infected in a child
person and through infected air.

= Red eyes
Who can get measles? = Cough

Who has not had measles before and has not been vaccinated can get it, BUT = White spots in the mouth

= Unvaccinated young children under 5 years are at highest risk of measles = Diarrhoea
and its complications, including death.
If not treated early, the child may develop the following:
= Unvaccinated pregnant women are also at risk.
= Severe cough
= Pneumonia
How does measles spread? = Blindness
The measles virus can spread through coughing and sneezing, close personal = Deafness
contact with an infected person or direct contact with infected nasal or throat
= Malnutrition
secretions.

What are the signs of measles? What to do if you suspect measles in a child?
Take the child to the nearest health facility immediately.
A child with measles may have the following signs:
= Hot body
= Rash which starts on the forehead and neck and then covers the
How can the measles be prevented?
whole body
= Have all children vaccinated against measles at 9 months of age.
= Running nose and eyes