What is the treatment for an adult diagnosed with measles?

From the Guidelines

Treatment for an adult diagnosed with measles focuses on supportive care, including rest, hydration, and symptom management with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as there is no specific antiviral treatment. The approach to managing measles in adults is primarily aimed at alleviating symptoms and preventing complications, given the lack of targeted antiviral therapy. According to the guidelines and evidence from 1, the disease can be severe, especially in adults, with potential complications including diarrhea, middle ear infection, bronchopneumonia, and encephalitis, highlighting the importance of vigilant monitoring and supportive care.

Key components of supportive care include:

• Rest to help the body recover from the infection
• Adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration, which is crucial given that measles can lead to severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis, as noted in 1
• Use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and pain, with typical adult dosing being acetaminophen 650mg every 4-6 hours or ibuprofen 400mg every 6-8 hours, not exceeding maximum daily doses
• Vitamin A supplementation, recommended for all measles patients, with adults typically receiving 200,000 IU daily for two days, to help mitigate the severity of the disease and support recovery

It's also important to note that:

• Antibiotics are not effective against the measles virus itself but may be prescribed if secondary bacterial infections develop, such as pneumonia or ear infections
• Isolation is crucial to prevent spreading the virus, with patients advised to avoid contact with others, especially those who are unvaccinated, pregnant, or immunocompromised, for at least 4 days after the rash appears
• Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous fluids, respiratory support, or treatment of complications, underscoring the need for close monitoring and prompt intervention when necessary.

From the Research

Treatment Overview

• The treatment for an adult diagnosed with measles mainly involves supportive care, as there is no specific antiviral therapy for the disease 2.
• Management includes correction of dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, treatment of secondary bacterial infections, and provision of vitamin A 3, 2.

Supportive Care

• Supportive therapy, such as vitamin A supplementation, is crucial in managing measles patients 2, 4.
• Monitoring for and treatment of secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics is also essential 2.
• Rehydration is necessary in cases of severe diarrhea 2.

Specific Treatment Options

• Ribavirin and high-dose vitamin A may be considered as treatment options for severe measles pneumonitis in adults 5.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin and the measles vaccine may be used in certain cases, such as pregnant or immunocompromised patients 6.

Prevention

• Prevention through measles vaccination has a cardinal role in eliminating the disease 3.
• Public education and vaccination have led to a significant decrease in global measles deaths 3, 4.
• Disrupted vaccination activities during the COVID-19 pandemic increase the potential for another resurgence of measles, highlighting the need for effective catch-up vaccination campaigns 2.