From the Guidelines
Antibiotics should only be used to treat secondary bacterial infections in patients with measles, not the measles virus itself. Measles is a viral infection, and antibiotics are ineffective against viruses 1. The primary treatment for measles involves supportive care to manage symptoms, including rest, adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration, and medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and discomfort.
Key Considerations
- Vitamin A supplements are recommended for children with measles, as they can help reduce the severity of the illness and prevent complications.
- In severe cases or for patients with compromised immune systems, hospitalization may be necessary.
- The best approach to measles is prevention through vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
- If someone is exposed to measles and has not been vaccinated, receiving the vaccine within 72 hours of exposure may provide some protection or reduce the severity of the disease.
Secondary Bacterial Infections
In cases where a secondary bacterial infection develops, such as pneumonia or ear infections, antibiotics may be prescribed 1. For example, children with measles complications, such as acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI), should be administered standard treatment, including antibiotics.
Treatment Approach
The treatment approach for measles with secondary bacterial infection should prioritize the use of antibiotics only for the bacterial infection, while continuing to provide supportive care for the measles symptoms. It is essential to note that antibiotics should not be used as a preventative measure or to treat the measles virus itself, but rather to address specific bacterial complications that may arise 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Treatment for Measles with Secondary Bacterial Infection
The treatment for measles (rubeola) with secondary bacterial infection involves the use of antibiotics to manage the bacterial infection. According to 2, patient management mainly involves supportive therapy, such as vitamin A supplementation, monitoring for and treatment of secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics, and rehydration in the case of severe diarrhea.
Use of Antibiotics
The use of antibiotics in the treatment of measles with secondary bacterial infection is supported by several studies. A review of seven trials with 1263 children found that the incidence of pneumonia was lower in the treatment group compared to the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant 3. However, the review suggested a beneficial effect of antibiotics in preventing complications such as pneumonia, purulent otitis media, and tonsillitis in children with measles.
Common Bacterial Infections
Measles-associated pneumonia (MAP) is often caused by coinfection with other microbes, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, adenovirus, and parainfluenza viruses 4. The use of antibiotics in the treatment of MAP is crucial to prevent complications and reduce mortality.
Prevention and Treatment
While antibiotics are used to treat secondary bacterial infections, prevention of measles through vaccination is the most effective way to eliminate the disease 5, 2. Vitamin A supplementation is also recommended to prevent complications and reduce mortality 2. Additionally, passive immunity, such as the use of antibodies, can be used to prevent and treat infectious diseases, including measles 6.
Key Points
- Antibiotics are used to treat secondary bacterial infections in measles patients
- The use of antibiotics can prevent complications such as pneumonia, purulent otitis media, and tonsillitis
- Measles-associated pneumonia is often caused by coinfection with other microbes
- Prevention of measles through vaccination is the most effective way to eliminate the disease
- Vitamin A supplementation is recommended to prevent complications and reduce mortality