SSPE starts with intellectual impairment and deteriorates to seizures and eventually death. It is, however, very rare occuring in less than 1 in 100000 cases of measles. Measles infection during pregnancy can result in the loss or early birth of the baby. Severe disease and complications are most likely in infants under 12 months, those with weakened immune systems, the malnourished and children with vitamin A deficiency. Pregnant women or those with weakened immune systems should not be immunised.
Past infection gives immunity.
Measles is most infectious from 4 days before the appearance of the rash until 4 days afterwards. The DFEE and DoH guidelines on infection control in schools and nurseries recommend that a child should be kept off school for 5 days after the onset of the rash. Measles is a notifiable disease and must be reported by a doctor to the local health authority. A saliva test to confirm or refute the diagnosis may be suggested. There is no specific treatment for measles.