Worried About Measles? 5 Common Infections With Similar Symptoms

Recent measles outbreaks have many parents understandably concerned about the highly contagious viral illness.

For most people, there’s no reason to panic. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine – typically given starting at age one – are 97% effective against measles.

Measles

Measles starts as flat red spots on the face that spread to the body. Serious complications occur in 1-3 of every 1,000 unvaccinated people and may include brain swelling, blindness and death.

Here are 5 common infections that can cause a similar rash – but are far less contagious and dangerous – than measles.

Parvovirus / Fifth Disease

• Starts as a “slapped cheek” red rash on the face
• Rash looks like lace, can spread to the body and be itchy
• Often no symptoms or mild fever, achiness, runny nose at the beginning
• Typically clears without treatment in 7-10 days, but rash may come and go for 3 weeks
• Common in the spring

Chicken Pox

• A red rash on the face & body that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters
• Blisters become scabs within a week
• Fever, fatigue, headache often occur before the rash develops
• Typically clears without treatment in 4-7 days
• Some patients might receive antiviral medicine
• Vaccination prevents most cases of chicken pox (given at ages 1 & 4)

Scarlet Fever

• Typically occurs after strep throat
• Bright red rash covers most of the body
• Skin feels rough to the touch like sandpaper
• Tongue is red and bumpy
• Sore throat and fever are common before and during the rash
• Treatable with antibiotics

Roseola

• Starts with a sudden, high fever (103-105 F)
• Rash appears after the fever breaks
• No itching or discomfort
• Runny nose, irritability, fatigue
• Very common in children younger than 2
• Typically clears without treatment in 3-5 days
• Common in late winter, early spring

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease

• Fever, sore throat, irritability are common
• After these symptoms, the rash starts as flat, red spots or blisters on the palms and soles of the feet
• Can spread to the rest of the body
• Painful sores in and around the mouth
• Typically clears without treatment in 10 days
• Common in summer, but can happen anytime

All of these infections are highly contagious and get better with rest and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain & fever, except when other treatment is recommended.

If you aren’t sure if you’re protected from measles, ask your doctor for an immunity blood test to determine if you need a booster vaccine.