Measles, Rubella, and Fifth Disease in Children

• 1 week ago

Measles, Rubella, and Fifth Disease in Children

1. Measles (Rubeola)

Virus:

Measles virus (Paramyxoviridae family)

Symptoms:

• High fever (39–40°C), fatigue, runny nose, cough, red eyes
• Small white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
• Red rash starting behind the ears, spreading down the body
• Rash appears 3–5 days after fever begins

Contagiousness:

• Extremely contagious
• Infectious from 4 days before to 4 days after rash appears
• Spreads through respiratory droplets

Prevention:

• MMR vaccine (Measles-Mumps-Rubella)
• 1st dose at 12–15 months, 2nd dose at 4–6 years

Complications:

• Ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, encephalitis
• Especially severe in infants and immunocompromised children

Treatment:

• Supportive care (fluids, fever management)
• No specific antiviral; vaccination is key

2. Rubella (German Measles)

Virus:

Rubella virus

Symptoms:

• Low-grade fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes (behind ears, neck)
• Pink rash starting on face, then spreading downward
• Rash is lighter and fades faster than measles
• Sometimes joint pain in older children

Contagiousness:

• Spreads through respiratory droplets
• Infectious from 7 days before to 7 days after rash onset

Special Risk:

• Pregnant women: Can cause congenital rubella syndrome (hearing loss, heart defects, intellectual disability)

Prevention:

• MMR vaccine prevents rubella infection and spread

Treatment:

• Supportive (fever reducers, rest)
• Usually mild and self-limiting

3. Fifth Disease (Parvovirus B19)

Virus:

Parvovirus B19

Symptoms:

• Mild fever, fatigue, sometimes sore throat
• Classic “slapped cheek” rash on face
• Later, a lacy, net-like rash on arms, trunk, and legs
• Possible joint pain in older children

Contagiousness:

• Spread via respiratory secretions
• Contagious before the rash appears; not usually after

Special Risk Groups:

• Pregnant women (may cause fetal anemia or miscarriage)
• Children with anemia (risk of aplastic crisis)

Prevention:

• No vaccine available
• Emphasize hygiene during school outbreaks

Treatment:

• Supportive care (antihistamines for itching, fever reducers)
• Illness usually resolves within 1–2 weeks

Key Differences at a Glance

When to See a Doctor

Contact your pediatrician if:

• Rash is accompanied by high fever or lethargy
• Rash spreads quickly, bruises, or doesn’t fade after a few days
• Your child has been in contact with a pregnant woman
• There are signs of difficulty breathing, confusion, or dehydration

Monitoring with Dr. Ekin Pasinlioğlu

• Rash pattern evaluation and clinical diagnosis
• Guidance on contagion, school return, and isolation
• Assessment of vaccination status and immunity
• Symptom-specific care (itching, fever, hydration)
• Referrals for high-risk or complicated cases
• Support for families during outbreaks