What is measles and why is it dangerous?

     Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It affects mostly children. It is easily and very rapidly transmitted through air or direct contact.

    Children who suffer from measles may experience complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, deafness, ear infection, diarrhea and dehydration.

     Complications due to measles can cause death.

Who can get measles?

  • Any person young and old who has not been vaccinated against measles.

  • A child who has been vaccinated may not necessarily develop enough protection against measles and so he/she needs to be vaccinated again.

  • Not all persons who say they had measles really had measles. There are other diseases that may look like measles with rashes which maybe mistaken for measles.

What are the signs and symptoms of measles?

     A child with measles usually has blotchy rashes all over the body for 3 days or more. She or he also has fever and at least any one of the following:

  • Cough

  • Runny nose

  • Reddish eyes

How do you prevent measles?

          Through measles vaccination starting 9 months of age.

My child has been vaccinated against measles.  Is she exempted from this LIGTAS TIGDAS  Month?

NO.  The measles vaccine she gets during the LIGTAS TIGDAS campaign will increase her protection against measles.

My child had measles previously, is he exempted in this campaign?

NO. There are many measles-like diseases.  The LIGTAS TIGDAS vaccination will not harm a child and will even serve to increase his immunity against measles.

 Is there any overdose, if my child receives this measles vaccine during this month?

NONE.  Antibodies in the blood which provide protection against the disease decrease as the child grows older. The child will not be harmed because there is no vaccine overdose for the measles vaccine.  The measles vaccine is even known to enhance overall immunity against other diseases.

What will happen to my child after receiving the measles immunization?

Nothing.  However, some children will have a slight fever.  The fever may last from 1 to 2 days.

The best thing to do when the child has a slight fever is to give him paracetamol every four hours.  Give him plenty of fluids. If the child is breastfeeding continue doing so. Ensure that the child has enough rest and sleep.

What will happen after the “Ligtas Tigdas”?

All children who turn 9-11 months old after 2004 must receive one dose of the measles vaccine together with the vaccines against other diseases of childhood like polio, diphtheria, pertussis,  etc.

All children suspected of having measles have to be reported to the health workers.

Health workers who receive reports of suspected measles must investigate the case/s.