Measles (Rubeola) in Children: Care Instructions
Overview
Measles (or red measles) is a disease caused by a virus. It's also called rubeola. It’s one of the most contagious viruses in humans. It's spread when a person with measles coughs, sneezes, yells, sings, or breathes. The virus can travel through the air. This means that your child can get measles if your child is near someone who has the virus. This can happen even if that person doesn't cough or sneeze directly on your child. Your child can get measles just by passing through a room or place where a person with measles was, even up to 2 hours after the person has left. The virus can spread to others 4 days before the rash starts until 4 days after the rash appears.
The first symptoms of measles show up about 7 to 18 days after contact with the virus.
Symptoms can include:
- Fever of 38.3°C (100.9°F) or higher.
- Cough, runny nose, or red eyes.
- Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth 2 to 3 days after symptoms start.
- A rash that appears 3 to 7 days after fever starts. The rash usually starts behind the ears and on the face, then spreads to the body, arms, and legs. The rash looks red and blotchy on lighter skin. On darker skin, the rash may look purple or darker than the skin around it, or it might be hard to see. View measles rash images.
There is no treatment for measles. Most people with measles recover at home, but people with severe measles may need care in a hospital.
If your child has symptoms, keep them home and call Health Link at 811
before visiting a healthcare facility or healthcare provider.
If your child has had measles, they can't get it again.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Measles can cause serious health problems, especially in children under 5 years of age. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or Health Link at 811 if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
If your child needs medical care, it’s important to tell the doctor or nurses that your child has measles before going to a clinic or hospital. This is so they can take precautions to prevent the virus from spreading to others.
How can you care for your child at home?
- Your child should stay at home to avoid contact with people who have never had measles and who have not been immunized. Measles is very contagious. Your child can spread measles to others from 4 days before the rash appears to 4 days after the rash appears.
- Have your child drink plenty of fluids.
- Make sure your child gets plenty of rest to help the body heal.
- Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for fever or pain. Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to use it. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 18. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
- Do not give your child two or more fever or pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many fever or pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
- Try to keep your child from scratching the rash.
- Keep your child away from smoke. Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke around your child or in your house.
- Have your child rest their eyes often. If your child's eyes are sensitive to light, close the window blinds in the room, and limit the amount of time your child watches screens.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child has severe trouble breathing. Symptoms may include:
- Using the belly muscles to breathe.
- The chest sinking in or the nostrils flaring when your child struggles to breathe.
- Your child has a seizure.
- Your child is confused.
Be sure to say that your child was diagnosed with measles. Measles is very contagious. The doctor may not want your child to be in contact with other patients. You will be given instructions on what is best for your child.
Call your doctor or Health Link now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has a fever with a stiff neck or a severe headache.
- Your child is sensitive to light or feels very sleepy.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- Your child feels better, but their symptoms return.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter L991 in the search box to learn more about "Measles (Rubeola) in Children: Care Instructions".
Adaptation Date: 08/14/2025
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
