Recognize and beware of measles in children.

Measles is a disease that is often found in children. Measles is a disease caused by a viral infection. There are also many other diseases caused by viruses that cause symptoms that are similar to one another. Sometimes, when a child's condition appears, red spots are often mistaken for measles. It turns out that it is not necessarily measles. Measles is transmitted through droplets or splashes of saliva from the measles sufferer.

Signs and symptoms of measles:

1. Fever for 3–4 days, accompanied by the appearance of red spots that grow from the back of the head, behind the ears, face, neck, and finally the body.
2. Spots appear on the inside of the cheeks, grayish-white with a reddish base.
3. Other symptoms may appear, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, or red eyes.
4. Gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea
5. The redness that usually appears will eventually blacken and disappear.
6. If it is severe, it can lead to loss of consciousness, infection of the central nervous system, and inflammation of the lungs.

Incomplete immunizations or vaccines are a risk factor for children getting measles; usually, many parents do not give measles immunizations again if their child is suspected of having had measles. Parents should make sure whether it is true that the child has measles or if it is just another virus that looks like it. It is also best if the child is suspected of having had measles to still be given measles immunization so that it can ensure that the child has formed antibodies to fight the measles virus.

What should parents do if they suspect their child has measles?

Parents should immediately consult a pediatrician so that they can be sure whether their little one really has measles. In addition, meet the child's fluid needs so they don't become dehydrated. And don't forget to give your child vitamin A for two days.

Measles Vaccination Schedule

Based on data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant decrease in the complete basic immunization coverage rate from 84.2% in 2020 to 79.6% in 2021. If measles immunization is missed, parents need to immediately catch up on immunization to protect their children from the dangers of measles. Immediately go to a health facility to give immunizations to your little one.