From the Guidelines
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles once a person is infected, but treatment focuses on supportive care to manage symptoms while the body fights the virus. This includes rest, adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration, and medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and discomfort. For children, the recommended dosage of acetaminophen is 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours, while ibuprofen can be given at 5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours. Vitamin A supplements are also recommended for children with measles, as they can help prevent complications and reduce the severity of the illness. The World Health Organization recommends 200,000 IU of vitamin A for two consecutive days for children over 12 months, with adjusted doses for younger children. Antibiotics may be prescribed if bacterial complications like pneumonia or ear infections develop. Prevention through vaccination remains the most effective approach to measles, as the body naturally clears the virus within 7-10 days in most cases. Patients should be isolated during the contagious period to prevent spreading the infection to others. Some key points to consider in the treatment and prevention of measles include:
- The use of immunoglobulin (IG) for post-exposure prophylaxis, which can prevent or modify measles in nonimmune individuals if administered within 6 days of exposure 1.
- The importance of vaccination, with a two-dose schedule recommended for children and certain high-risk groups 1.
- The need for continued surveillance and disease control activities to sustain measles elimination in countries where the disease has been eliminated 1. It's also worth noting that while there are various studies on measles treatment and prevention, the most recent and highest quality evidence should be prioritized when making treatment decisions. In this case, the studies from 1998 and 2011 provide valuable insights into the treatment and prevention of measles 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Measles
There are several treatment options available for measles, including:
- Supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and nutrition 2, 3, 4
- Vitamin A supplementation, which has been shown to reduce the risk of mortality and complications in children with measles 5, 6
- Treatment of secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics 2, 4
- Rehydration in the case of severe diarrhea 4
Vitamin A Supplementation
Vitamin A supplementation has been shown to be beneficial in reducing the risk of mortality and complications in children with measles. Studies have found that:
- Two doses of 200,000 IU of vitamin A per day for two days can reduce the risk of mortality by 64% 5
- Two doses of water-based vitamin A can reduce the risk of mortality by 81% 5
- Vitamin A supplementation can also reduce the incidence of croup, otitis media, and diarrhea 5, 6
Limitations of Treatment
It's worth noting that: