Measles (Rubeola): Measles, also known as rubeola, is a viral respiratory infection. Measles and German measles (a different but similar virus also known as rubella) are serious infections that cause fever and rash. Most recover without incident, but measles infections can lead to pneumonia and brain inflammation. Vaccines have reduced measles infections to a few dozen a year in the U.S., but no cure exists. Patients should treat symptoms with pain relievers, fever reducers, and fluids.
Must Read Articles:
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Immunization Schedule, Children
Vaccinations are some of the most important tools available for preventing disease. Most children get all their shots during childhood. Parents should consult their doctors about which vaccines their children should have and when. Keep track of your children's immunizations yourself. -
Immunization Schedule, Adults
At least 45,000 adults in the United States die of complications of influenza, pneumococcal infections, and hepatitis B each year. Adults need the following vaccines: chickenpox, hepatitis B, MMR, Td/Tdap, flu, shingles, and pneumococcal. -
Immunizations and Antibiotics for Oversea Travel
Most immunizations are not required under International Health Requirements but are recommended. Anyone lacking certain region- or country-specific immunizations may be denied entry into or exit from a country. -
Skin Rashes in Children
Skin rashes in children may be categorized as bacterial, viral, life-threatening, fungal, and parasitic rashes. Oftentimes, the associated symptoms help establish the diagnosis. Treatment depends upon the type of rash and the severity of the signs and symptoms.
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Expert Views and News
- Global Measles Deaths Grow by Half
- Air Travelers in Denver, L.A. Warned About Measles
- Global Measles Cases Tripled Since Last Year
- Half of US States Now Report Measles Cases
- US Measles Cases at Second-Highest
- US Measles Cases Top 300, Emergency Declared
- Lawmakers Seek to Increase Use of Measles Vaccine
- Measles Outbreak Worst in Decades for Some States
- Measles Causes Public Health Emergency
- Global Spike in Measles a 'Serious Concern'
- Parents Unaware of Disneyland Measles Outbreak
- Measles: A Tale of Two Outbreaks
- New Myths About the Measles Vaccine
- Measles Outbreak Hitting Adults Hardest
- Measles at Disneyland: What You Should Know
- Measles Cases in the U.S. Reach 20-Year High
- Measles Still Threatens Health Security
- Expert Q&A: Childhood Vaccine Safety
- Are Kindergarten Kids Getting Their Vaccines?
- U.S. Measles Cases, Outbreaks Quadruple in 2011
- No Rise in Seizure Risk With MMRV Booster Vaccine
- Chickenpox Vaccination of Children Helps Protect Infants, Too
- Survey: Younger Doctors More Skeptical of Vaccines
- Vaccination Rates for Toddlers Rising
- Vaccines Generally Safe, Cause Few Health Problems
- Vaccination Rate for Kindergarten Kids Is Over 90%
- Parents Confident About Vaccine Safety
- MMR Doctor 'Planned to Make Millions'
- Autism, Measles Vaccine: No Link
Measles (Rubeola) Topic Guide - Visuals
Slideshows, Pictures, Images, and Quizzes:
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Measles (Rubeola) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
Measles, Mumps, Rubella And Varicella Virus VaccineMeasles, mumps, rubella, and varicella are serious diseases caused by viruses spread from person to person through the air or by skin to skin contact...learn more »
Measles, Mumps, And Rubella (MMR) VaccineMeasles, mumps, and rubella are serious diseases caused by viruses spread from person to person through the air. Measles, mumps, and rubella can cause minor...learn more »
Acetaminophen (oral/rectal)Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet...learn more »
Measles (Rubeola) Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is an acute infection and inflammation of the brain itself. This is in contrast to meningitis, which is an inflammation of the layers covering the ...learn more »
Fever in Adults
A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 F or greater. A fever may be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, blood clot, tumor, drug, or the environment. Treatmen...learn more »
Brain Infection
Our brain, the spinal cord, and its surrounding structures could become infected by a large spectrum of germs (that is, microorganisms). Bacteria and viruses ar...learn more »
Ask What Should You Do Exposed to Measles
I read about someone with measles who went all over town in California exposing people to the measles virus – to the movies, to the library, etc. I was immunize...learn more »
Ask What Is the First Sign of Measles
I live in Southern California, where there is a measles outbreak. Over the last couple days, I’ve been feeling run down and coughing. I thought it was a cold vi...learn more »
Ask How Can You Prevent the Spread of Measles
I know someone who was just diagnosed with measles, and I have a baby boy who is too young to have had the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR vaccine). Th...learn more »
ask How Dangerous Is Measles Can Measles Kill You
How dangerous is measles? Chicken pox isn’t that serious and every kid gets that and it’s no big deal. Is measles basically the same? If that’s the case, why bo...learn more »