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Measles in babies is a contagious infectious disease characterized by a skin rash all over the body accompanied by other flu-like symptoms. This disease spreads easily and can cause serious complications for the baby. Therefore, appropriate preventive and treatment steps need to be taken.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection. About 9 out of 10 babies have not received the measles vaccine or have never had measles before. You will become infected if you are close to someone who suffers from this disease. In Indonesia, more than 3,300 cases of measles were recorded in babies and toddlers in 2022 and many of them underwent treatment in hospital.

Babies are more susceptible to measles because The immune system is still weak or has a vitamin A deficiency. Traveling to areas or countries with high cases of measles can also increase the baby's risk of contracting measles. Especially in babies who have not received measles vaccination, their bodies are susceptible to measles because they do not have immunity to this disease.

Measles in Babies and its Symptoms

Measles in babies is often transmitted through direct contact with people infected with the virus that causes measles. The virus can spread when sufferers sneeze, cough, or talk.

Measles virus infection occurs gradually over about 2–3 weeks. After about 7–14 days of exposure to the virus, measles symptoms usually appear. The following are several phases of measles symptoms in babies that can be recognized:

• Early symptoms of measles in babies include mild to moderate fever, runny nose, persistent cough, and red eyes.
• After 3–5 days, a skin rash appears in the form of small red spots called Koplik spots in the forehead area, then spreads to the entire face, neck, arms and legs. At the same time, the fever increases to 40℃.
• Koplik spots can also appears in the mouth before the rash appears.
• Measles rash in babies usually gradually develops. disappeared in about 7 days. However, fever and cough may persist longer.

Please note that the highest peak of measles virus transmission is around 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears. During this time, the baby must remain at home or in a safe place to prevent transmission of the virus to other babies.

In babies who Having a weak immune system due to congenital disease or lack of nutrition, measles in babies is at high risk of causing serious complications, such as severe diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), ear infections, or infections of the lining of the eyes so that vision problems can occur.

Treatment of Measles in Babies

When your little one experiences symptoms of measles, mothers are advised to remain calm and not panic. Although there is no specific treatment for measles, there are several ways you can reduce the symptoms of measles in babies. These methods can also prevent transmission of measles to your little one. The following is the explanation:

1. Get enough rest time

As previously mentioned, the initial symptoms of measles in babies are similar to the common cold. So, as a first aid measure, make sure the baby rests at home and limits his playing activities. To make your little one rest, mothers can read them fairy tales or sing soothing songs.

2. Get enough fluids

Measles can cause babies to have fever, diarrhea or vomiting, making them vulnerable to infection dehydration. Therefore, make sure the baby gets enough breast milk or formula milk.

Breast milk naturally also has antibodies to prevent and fight infections with various viruses and bacteria. For babies over 6 months old, mothers can give them extra water every day.

3. Give fever-reducing medication

To reduce fever caused by measles in babies, mothers can give them fever-reducing medication, such as paracetamol. However, before giving any medicine to your baby, you should consult a doctor first. The doctor can recommend the drug and dosage that best suits your little one's condition.

Paracetamol for babies is usually in the form of a syrup. The dosage of the drug can vary, depending on the baby's age and weight. So, make sure you follow the dosage rules stated on the medicine packaging or according to the doctor's instructions.

4. Avoid contact with sick people

To prevent measles, you should keep your baby away from people who are sick or have been diagnosed with measles. Considering that babies are very susceptible to contracting the measles virus, avoid them being around people who sneeze or cough to protect them from exposure to the virus.

5. Give measles vaccination

MMR vaccine (measles, mumps , and rubella) is the main step in preventing measles in babies. This vaccine is recommended to be given to babies aged 9–12 months and the dose booster at the age of 5–6 years.

If you live in an area where there is a measles outbreak, it is recommended that you Small to get measles vaccination from 6 months of age. You can talk to your doctor about the right measles vaccine schedule, according to your little one's condition.

To prevent measles, make sure you also maintain cleanliness Your little one and the environment around him. Don't hesitate to take your little one to the doctor if he shows symptoms of measles in babies. appropriate treatment can be given to prevent complications.

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