Measles is an illness caused by a virus (type of germ). At first, kids with measles get a high fever, red and watery eyes, runny nose, spots inside the mouth, and a cough. Then about 3–5 days later, they get a rash that starts on the face and spreads down to the rest of the body. 

There is no treatment for the measles virus, but most children recover fully within about 2 weeks. Rarely, a child may develop problems with the eyes, lungs, or brain. 

Measles spreads very easily from person to person. Here's how to care for your child and help prevent the spread of measles.

• Tell anyone who was around your child in the week before the rash started or while your child had the rash to call their health care provider to find out what to do next.
• Follow your health care provider's advice for:
  • Getting other people at home vaccinated for measles.
  • Keeping your child away from others (usually for at least 4 days after the rash started), especially those who aren't vaccinated against measles or who have a weakened immune system.
  • When it's OK to go back to school, daycare, and activities.
  • Giving any prescribed medicines.
  • Giving medicine for fever or pain, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Follow the directions on the label for how much to give and how often to give it. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old.
• Don't give aspirin to your child or teen, as it is linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• Don't give cough or cold medicines to children under 6 years old. These medicines can cause serious side effects. Check with your health care provider before giving cough or cold medicines to children 6 years and older.
• To help with cough:
  • If your child is older than 12 months, it's OK to give 1–2 teaspoons of honey before bed. If your child is younger than 12 months, do not give honey.
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier. Clean after each use.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids.
• Let your child rest as needed.

Your child:

• Has diarrhea (loose, watery poops)
• Develops ear pain
• Is not drinking fluids or has signs of dehydration (not enough water in the body), such as a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, making less pee or darker than usual pee, or crying with little or no tears 
• Has the rash for 4 days and still has a fever
• Has a cough that lasts longer than 2 weeks

Your child:

• Develops a bad headache or a stiff neck
• Has trouble breathing
• Seems confused
• Has trouble waking up
• Has a seizure
• Seems very sick

How does measles spread? Someone with measles spreads the virus through the tiny drops that come out of the mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze. They can spread the virus from about 4–5 days before the rash appears until about 4 days after it appears. 

Can measles be prevented? The best way to prevent measles is to get the measles vaccine. For most kids, two doses are usually given: one at 12–15 months and one at 4–6 years. Someone who is fully vaccinated is very unlikely to get measles even if they are in close contact with someone who is infected.

If someone isn't fully vaccinated against measles and is near someone with measles, getting the vaccine within 3 days might give some protection against the virus.

Can my child get measles again? Once someone has measles, they have immunity for life. So, it's very unlikely that your child will get measles again.