Measles in babies

From the extensive list of illnesses that so often affect our little ones, today we are talking specifically about measles in babies. We all have a vague idea of what it involves. But we address the subject in detail in this article! So that you can immediately identify this childhood illness if it appears! A closer look at measles in babies: what is it? What are its symptoms? Or indeed, how should you react? We tell you everything, right now!

What is measles?

Well, behind this term lies a viral disease, and a highly contagious one at that. It still very much exists today. That said, thanks to the good hygiene habits we have adopted since the Covid period, cases are becoming increasingly rare amongst our little ones. At least on French soil, to be precise. Because at a global level, there were more than 860,000 cases in 2019 alone! In the world's poorest countries, complications weigh heavily on mortality rates. But here, in Europe in particular, measles is mild. To identify it correctly, you need to know the precise symptoms of this illness in your child.

Symptoms of measles in babies

Measles refers specifically to a skin rash that is, in practically every case, preceded by rhinitis, conjunctivitis, a cough, and a moderate fever. This eruptive fever affects the greatest number of children and babies worldwide. This childhood illness is directly linked to a specific type of virus: the paramyxovirus.

It is an epidemic that strikes notably in winter and spring. Contamination occurs mainly through the droplets of saliva from already-infected children, when they cough or sneeze in particular. That said, transmission can also occur via objects contaminated by these types of secretions. Such as toys, tissues, and any other objects touched by infected children.

So among the signs of contamination, you may notably observe: a high fever, conjunctivitis, puffy eyes, red and watery, along with a dry cough, and significant nasal discharge. Finally, you may observe small white spots, the size of a pinhead, on the red mucous membrane inside your child's cheeks. The skin rash appears as small red patches, more or less raised, a few millimetres in diameter. Finally, these begin on the face and behind the ears. And gradually spread across the whole of baby's body.

So how long does measles last in babies?

It is worth knowing that before 6 months, very few babies are affected by measles. Indeed, babies under 6 months are quite often protected by their mother's antibodies. Particularly if she has already had it. But also if she has the vaccine, as the case may be. For babies beyond 6 months who are affected by measles, they will be contagious 4 days before the rash appears. Once 4 days have passed since the onset of the skin rash, the virus then disappears.

So all that remains is to be patient! What is reassuring at this precise moment is that your child will be well on their way to finally being free of this baby virus. Measles is highly contagious, so it is quite likely that within a family, it will spread without asking your permission! Indeed! To give you an idea, one person with measles can infect up to 15 to 20 people!

So to conclude, let us look at how this is managed according to healthcare professionals.

Treatment

First and foremost, it must be said that a preventive treatment exists. And nothing could be simpler! As it involves the measles vaccine known as the MMR, which you can have with your doctor.

Furthermore, simple hygiene measures are to be adopted. Such as in particular washing hands regularly, but also cleaning your child's nose, with saline solution in particular. Likewise, use disposable tissues. Also, clean objects used by the infected person. Finally, air out your home once a day for around 20 to 30 minutes in particular.

Finally, do know that there is no specific treatment for measles in babies. It therefore only requires a treatment for the fever. This is because there is no antiviral treatment capable of reducing the complications of this particular illness. It is possible, however, that antibiotics, in the case of a complication such as an ear infection or pneumonia, may be prescribed by your doctor.