Measles is an illness resulting from infection with the measles virus. Once among the most common childhood diseases worldwide, measles also called rubella now primarily exists in developing nations where it remains a leading cause of childhood blindness and death. 

Routine measles immunization, the standard of care since becoming available in the early 1960s has eradicated measles from much of the industrialized world.

In many developed countries today, children generally receive measles vaccine through the combination known as MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine.

Measles is one of the most highly contagious infections and spreads through droplet contamination via airborne transmission (sneezing and coughing) as well as direct contact.

The virus invades the lining of the throat and the lungs where it replicates. The virus then uses the lymphatic system to enter the blood circulation, after which prodrome symptoms emerge.

These symptoms include fever, sensitivity to light known as photophobia, congestion of the nasal passages and profuse nasal discharge. And some times noon-productive cough.

Within two days the characteristic measles rash emerges. This red, itchy rash starts at the hairline on the scalp and spreads to cover the entire body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The course of illness runs about 10 days after the rash begins. The infection is most contagious during the prodrome stage, though contagiousness continues through the rash stage.

Diagnosis is clinical based on the characteristic nature of symptoms and history of exposure.

The risk for complications from measles is high, primarily because the measles virus’s use of the immune system to distribute itself compromises the immune response, lowering resistance to infection from other pathogens.

As a consequence secondary bacterial infections, notably otitis media (middle ear infection) and pneumonia are common.

Pregnant mothers should avoid any potential risk for a measles infection but to also understand what type of health risk measles may pose to not only them but also the unborn baby.

While in the womb, fetal development occurs at a rapid rate and any potential risk for infection can abrupt development and lead to congenital birth defects. Because a measles infection can spread to the womb, and infect an unborn baby, reducing the risk for this infection is important. While there are obvious health risks to the expectant mother, when suffering from a measles infection, the unborn baby can experience even greater complications often leading to long term and permanent health risks.

Congenital hearing loss in a newborn is the most common complication when exposed to measles in utero.

Causing damage to the cranial nerve that manages hearing, the measles infection causes hearing loss that is sensory in nature and often can not be reversed after birth.

For infants exposed to measles during gestation, and then subsequently experience hearing loss at birth, the best possible outcomes for child growth and development will require that speech and language therapy is implemented at a very young age.

For pregnant mothers it is important to be sure that all of the immunizations are up to date and then to avoid being exposed to any potential risk for infection, including a measles infection.

Such bacterial infections require treatment with anti-biotic medications, though antibiotics do not treat measles.

The measles virus may also cause viral pneumonia and meningitis. Immunoglobulin may prevent or moderate illness in people exposed to measles.

However, anti-viral medications are not effective. Complications are more common in people who have vitamin A deficiency, though doctors do not know whether vitamin A supplementation during illness with measles decreases this risk.