The Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan > Diseases and Conditions

​Measles

Measles is a viral infection that is usually contracted during childhood.in the days, Measles can easily be avoided through a vaccine. This is also termed as rubella and can be fatal for infants and small children if not taken care of properly. 

Measles are highly contagious and is a respiratory infection. Since this is caused by a virus, measles are to be left to run its course before it leaves your child’s body. ​​

Signs and symptoms are visible usually after ten to fifteen days after your child has contracted the virus. They include: 

  • Your child having a skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another

  • Your child feeling feverish

  • Your child having tiny white spots with bluish-white centres on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek — also called Koplik's spots

  • Your child having dry cough

  • Your child having a runny nose

  • Your child having a sore and rough throat

  • Your child having inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)

The measles rashes break out between three to five days after symptoms start. They appear on the forehead first and then proceed ahead. It is accompanied with fever. After the forehead, it spreads to the rest of the face, then down the neck and torso to the arms, legs, and feet. The fever and rash gradually go away after a few days.

Your child is contagious till eight days after the rashes appear on the body.​​​​

For a preliminary examination, you can consult doctors from the Family Health Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital.

You can also inform your doctor at the Internal Medicine Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital if your child shows any of the above symptoms. The team will be able to examine the patient quickly to avoid the spread of the contagious disease. ​​ ​
Your time with your doctor may be limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​​
Our doctors will easily identify the symptoms which present themselves as measles. The doctor will look for the small, bluish-white spot on a bright red background — Koplik's spot — on the inside lining of the cheek. 
Our doctors may ask for a blood test Measles IgM test, most individuals infected with measles virus develop this type of antibody after 7 days of rash onset.​​​

Disclaimer: Kindly consult your physician before getting the above-mentioned tests.

No treatment can get your child rid of the measles infection. It has to flow its course to rid itself out of the body. However, vaccinations should be given at birth to avoid this virus. Vaccinations for measles can easily be procured from the Family Health Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital. At times, vaccines are administered after the child has contracted measles. This will result in milder symptoms.

Usually, measles are treated symptomatically. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to reduce fever. Vitamin A may also be given to fight the virus, which will lessen the severity of the measles​​

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments’ costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​

Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage​
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The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.​