Measles, mumps and rubella: prevention
What are the symptoms of measles, mumps and rubella?
Measles is an unpleasant, and sometimes serious, illness. But many people don't get any symptoms when they are infected with rubella (German measles). And about a third of people who get mumps may not realize they have it.
Some people mistake rashes caused by other
viruses for measles. But measles is not just a mild, red rash that soon goes away. Your child is likely to feel very miserable for
at least a few days.
viruses
Viruses are microbes (tiny organisms) that need the cells of humans or other animals to exist. They use the machinery of cells to reproduce. Then they spread to other cells in the body.
Viruses are microbes (tiny organisms) that need the cells of humans or other animals to exist. They use the machinery of cells to reproduce. Then they spread to other cells in the body.
It takes six to 19 days for symptoms of measles to appear after someone is infected.
1 You or your child may get some or all of these symptoms:
Source:
Richardson M, Elliman D, MaGuire H, et al.
Evidence base of incubation periods, periods of infectiousness and exclusion policies for the control of communicable diseases in schools and preschools.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 2001; 20: 380-391.
Richardson M, Elliman D, MaGuire H, et al.
Evidence base of incubation periods, periods of infectiousness and exclusion policies for the control of communicable diseases in schools and preschools.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 2001; 20: 380-391.
- A runny nose, a fever, and sore, red eyes (conjunctivitis) at first
- Small white spots inside the mouth
- A red blotchy rash. This normally appears about two to four days after the first symptoms. It usually starts on the head and neck and spreads down the body
- Feeling unwell and having a fever for five to six days. After this time, the fever should ease and the rash should fade.
The main symptoms of mumps are swollen and painful
glands in the neck. Sometimes other parts of the body are affected. But you may get no symptoms at all, or only mild ones.
gland
A gland is any group of cells in the body that makes and releases something for use by another part of the body. For example, the thyroid gland makes a hormone called thyroxine. This acts on receptors within cells. By acting on the receptors it gives the cells a message to speed up their metabolism and work harder.
A gland is any group of cells in the body that makes and releases something for use by another part of the body. For example, the thyroid gland makes a hormone called thyroxine. This acts on receptors within cells. By acting on the receptors it gives the cells a message to speed up their metabolism and work harder.
It takes 15 to 24 days (two to three weeks) to develop symptoms of mumps after being infected.
1 You or your child may get some or all of these symptoms:
Source:
Richardson M, Elliman D, MaGuire H, et al.
Evidence base of incubation periods, periods of infectiousness and exclusion policies for the control of communicable diseases in schools and preschools.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 2001; 20: 380-391.
Richardson M, Elliman D, MaGuire H, et al.
Evidence base of incubation periods, periods of infectiousness and exclusion policies for the control of communicable diseases in schools and preschools.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 2001; 20: 380-391.
- A feeling that you have the flu, with aches, pains and tiredness
- Swollen, painful saliva glands. The saliva glands are on your neck, just below your ears. They make the saliva that drains into your mouth. You might get swelling on one or both sides
- Mild abdominal pain and headache. You may find it hurts to chew and swallow.
Source:
Falk WA, Buchan K, Dow M, et al.
The epidemiology of mumps in southern Alberta, 1980-1982.
American Journal of Epidemiology. 1989; 130: 736-749.
Falk WA, Buchan K, Dow M, et al.
The epidemiology of mumps in southern Alberta, 1980-1982.
American Journal of Epidemiology. 1989; 130: 736-749.
Most people who catch rubella (German measles) are not very ill. You may get a rash and swollen glands. Or you may not notice
any symptoms at all.
It takes 15 to 20 days (two to three weeks) to start getting symptoms after being infected.
1 You might not get any symptoms at all. But if you do, you might get:
1
Source:
Richardson M, Elliman D, MaGuire H, et al.
Evidence base of incubation periods, periods of infectiousness and exclusion policies for the control of communicable diseases in schools and preschools.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 2001; 20: 380-391.
Richardson M, Elliman D, MaGuire H, et al.
Evidence base of incubation periods, periods of infectiousness and exclusion policies for the control of communicable diseases in schools and preschools.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 2001; 20: 380-391.
Source:
Richardson M, Elliman D, MaGuire H, et al.
Evidence base of incubation periods, periods of infectiousness and exclusion policies for the control of communicable diseases in schools and preschools.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 2001; 20: 380-391.
Richardson M, Elliman D, MaGuire H, et al.
Evidence base of incubation periods, periods of infectiousness and exclusion policies for the control of communicable diseases in schools and preschools.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 2001; 20: 380-391.
- Swollen glands behind your ears, and possibly in other parts of your body
- A spotty, pinkish-red rash that appears up to seven days after your glands swell. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash lasts one to five days before fading
- A mild fever, a cold, a cough, a sore throat, or sore, red eyes (conjunctivitis).
Sources for the information on this page:
- Richardson M, Elliman D, MaGuire H, et al.Evidence base of incubation periods, periods of infectiousness and exclusion policies for the control of communicable diseases in schools and preschools.Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 2001; 20: 380-391.
- Falk WA, Buchan K, Dow M, et al.The epidemiology of mumps in southern Alberta, 1980-1982.American Journal of Epidemiology. 1989; 130: 736-749.
This information was last updated on Aug 29, 2008
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
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Source: ConsumerReportsHealth.org Copyright © 2005-2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
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