MESSAGE LIBRARY:

Measles

ABOUT MEASLES

What is measles?

Measles is an infectious disease that mainly affects children. It is spread quickly through little drops in the air from person to person. It often occurs during emergencies when there is overcrowding, poor sanitation and diarrhoea. The most severe forms of measles occur in malnourished children.

Why worry about measles?

Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. For some children, measles can lead to pneumonia, a serious lung infection. It can also cause lifelong brain damage, deafness, and even death.

Symptoms of measles

Measles starts with a fever, which can get very high. Soon after, it causes a cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash can last for a week, and coughing can last for 10 days. Some children who get measles also get diarrhoea or an ear infection.

VACCINATION

Prevention of measles

Vaccination is the best form of protection against measles. The measles vaccine is safe and effective.

SERVICES

Where to seek treatment

If you think your child has measles, visit your nearest medical facility immediately. This is at [insert info here]. Opening times are from [insert info] to [insert info], or contact [insert info] to find out where your nearest health facility is.

BREASTFEEDING

Breastfeeding a baby with measles

If your baby has measles keep breastfeeding them. This is safe for you and your child and will help them recover.

HOME-BASED CARE

Advice on home-based care of suspected measles case

When children are sick, such as when they have measles, they feel less hungry. It is very important to encourage a sick child to eat and drink a little at a time and as often as possible. This can be difficult, as children who are ill may not be hungry. Keep offering foods the child likes, a little at a time and as often as possible. Drinking plenty of liquids will help prevent dehydration.

VACCINATION

Why it is important to immunise children against measles in emergencies

Disease can spread quickly when people are crowded together. All children living in congested conditions, particularly in refugee or disaster situations, should be immunised immediately against measles. To find out about measles campaigns in your area

Measles vaccination procedure

A new syringe must be used for every person being immunised against measles. People should demand a new syringe for every vaccination.

Why are measles vaccination and Vit A done together?

In emergencies, vitamin A (Vit A) is often given at the same time as the measles vaccination as it helps to prevent measles.

Ill or disabled children

It is safe to immunise a child who has a minor illness including diarrhoea, or a disability or is malnourished against measles.

Possible side effects

After an injection, your child may cry or develop a fever, a minor rash or a small sore. This is normal. Most side effects will disappear after a short time. However, if the child develops a high fever, they should be taken to a trained health worker or health centre.

Vaccination requirements as part of a measles campaign in an emergency

To be sure a person is protected against measles, two doses of the measles vaccine are recommended. The second dose can be given at any age, as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose.

The location of vaccination centres

A measles vaccination campaign will take place in [insert info] from [insert info] to [insert info]. Please take your child to be vaccinated. Vaccination is free of charge.

What to bring with you

If you have a vaccination card, bring this with you to the vaccination centre. Do not worry if you do not have one.

OUTBREAK ALERT

Measles outbreak alert

An outbreak of measles has occurred in [insert info]. To prevent the further spread of measles, all children from 6 months up to 14 years of age need to be immunised. If possible, bring their immunisation card with you.

REFERENCES

For more information on this topic, we recommend you read the following references.

World Health Organization (2022). Measles
https://www.who.int/health-topics/measles#tab=tab_1

World Health Organization (2022). Measles: factsheet
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles

Measles and Rubella Initiative (2021). The Problem
https://measlesrubellainitiative.org/learn/the-problem/

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