pediatrics
Measles
Key Points
Incidence of measles is highly variable depending on the vaccination rate in the population. Measles is highly transmissible, developing in>90% of susceptible contacts. Measles causes approximately 134,000 deaths annually, primarily in children in medically underserved areas; pneumonia is a common cause, whereas encephalitis is less common. Treatment is mainly supportive, but children should also receivevitamin Asupplementation. Universal childhood vaccination is imperative unless contraindicated (eg, by active cancer, use of immunosuppressants, or HIV infection with severe immunosuppression). Give postexposure prophylaxis to susceptible contacts within 3 days of exposure; use vaccine unless contraindicated, in which case give immune globulin. 