Measles, being a viral infection, does not respond to antibiotics, although these are usually given to prevent or lessen the effect of the secondary bacterial infections of the ear and lungs.

A vaccine is available to immunise against this disease. It also contains an attenuated live virus. The recommended time for immunisation is at the age of 12 months.

Before this, the infant may still have some passive immunity acquired from the mother and so the vaccine may not properly “take”. Older children who have not been immunised can still have the vaccine at any age.

Most children have little reaction from the vaccine. Some develop a feverish illness for a few days and some show a rash.

Should a child develop measles, the other children may be given gamma globulin. Children under three months and those with other serious disorders may be given a dose designed to prevent infection. This immunity is temporary, lasting only a few months.

Other children at risk should be given half this dose of gamma globulin. This is not sufficient to prevent infection but it modifies it so that it is milder yet still produces antibodies and provides immunity.

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