From the Guidelines
The primary treatment for measles (Rubeola) is supportive care, as there is no specific antiviral therapy, with a focus on rest, hydration, fever management, and vitamin A supplementation to reduce mortality and complication risks. The treatment approach is centered around alleviating symptoms and preventing complications, rather than directly targeting the virus. According to the latest guidelines, vaccination is the main means for preventing measles, mumps, and rubella virus infections and their related complications 1.
Supportive Care
Key components of supportive care include:
- Rest to help the body recover
- Adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration
- Fever management with acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Vitamin A supplementation to support immune function and epithelial tissue integrity, with dosing based on age 1
Vitamin A Supplementation
Vitamin A supplementation is crucial for all children with measles, with the following dosing recommendations:
- 200,000 IU for children over 12 months
- 100,000 IU for those 6-12 months
- 50,000 IU for infants under 6 months, given once daily for two consecutive days
Prevention
Prevention through vaccination remains the most effective strategy against measles, with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommending the use of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, such as PRIORIX, for the prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella in persons aged ≥12 months 1.
Isolation and Nutrition
Isolation is crucial to prevent transmission, with patients remaining isolated for four days after the rash appears. Proper nutrition and hydration support the immune system's fight against the virus, while adequate rest helps the body recover. Antibiotics may be prescribed if secondary bacterial infections develop, but they are not effective against the measles virus itself.
From the Research
Treatment for Measles (Rubeola)
The treatment for measles is mainly supportive, with the following key components:
- Vitamin A supplementation: Studies have shown that vitamin A can reduce mortality and pneumonia-specific mortality in children with measles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Monitoring for and treatment of secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics: This is crucial in preventing complications such as pneumonia and otitis media 3, 4, 5
- Rehydration in the case of severe diarrhea: This is essential in managing dehydration and preventing further complications 5
- Supportive care, including correction of dehydration and nutritional deficiencies: This is vital in managing the symptoms of measles and preventing further complications 4
Special Considerations
- Patients who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or unvaccinated may require more aggressive management, including the use of intravenous immunoglobulin and ribavirin 3
- Hospital workers should take special precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including the use of N-95 masks and patient isolation in an airborne infection isolation room 3
- Measles vaccine can be used as a treatment option in some cases, particularly for individuals who are not vaccinated or are immunocompromised 3