What Parents Need to Know About Measles Right Now

Measles is back in the news—and not for good reasons. Health experts warn that the highly contagious disease is spreading again, especially among children who missed vaccinations in recent years. 

Although many assume measles is just a childhood rash, doctors say it can cause serious illness, disability, or even death when it is not detected early.

For many years, strong vaccination programs had nearly pushed measles out of several countries. But recently, the disease has resurfaced. 

Data from global health bodies show that thousands of children are being infected, particularly those under age five. 

Sadly, most of the children affected are unvaccinated or have received only one dose of the vaccine.

Experts say the biggest reason for the resurgence is declining immunisation rates. During the COVID-19 period, many families skipped routine clinics, and health campaigns in some areas slowed down. That gap has now resulted in rising measles cases and avoidable deaths.

Measles does not begin with a rash. In most cases, a child first appears to have flu-like symptoms. Doctors explain that signs usually show up 10 to 14 days after contact with an infected person. The early symptoms include:

High fever

Runny nose

Red or watery eyes

Persistent cough

Parents should also look out for tiny white spots inside the mouth, especially on the inner cheeks. These spots—called Koplik spots—are a major warning sign.

A few days later, the well-known rash develops. It begins on the face and neck before spreading to the chest, back, arms, legs and feet. 

The rash lasts several days and often appears alongside fever and fatigue. When all these symptoms appear together, immediate medical attention is advised.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even talks. It can linger in the air for up to two hours, which is why a single sick child can infect many others in classrooms, homes or gatherings. 

Medical researchers estimate that one infected child can easily spread the illness to between 12 and 18 others.

Once inside the body, the virus attacks the respiratory system and weakens the immune system. This creates room for severe complications such as:

Pneumonia

Dangerous diarrhoea and dehydration

Ear infections that can cause hearing loss

Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)

Blindness

Children under five years old, malnourished children and those with weak immunity face the highest risk of severe illness. 

Pregnant mothers are also strongly advised to stay protected because measles infection can cause premature birth or pregnancy loss.

Two doses of the measles-containing vaccine offer about 97% protection. The vaccine is safe, affordable and available in most healthcare facilities across Kenya. 

Health experts emphasise that even older children can receive missed doses.

Kenya has faced outbreaks in recent months, prompting a renewed vaccination campaign targeting children aged nine to 59 months. 

Health officials have urged parents to ensure their children receive both doses, not just the first one.

Medical experts also remind parents that keeping vaccination cards updated makes it easier for health workers to identify missing doses.

When immunisation coverage drops even slightly, outbreaks occur quickly. That is why doctors continue urging parents to take measles seriously, even if their children seem healthy. 

The illness can spread before symptoms show, making timely vaccination the safest strategy.

Measles is dangerous, highly contagious and still claiming young lives despite having a reliable vaccine. 

The smartest preventive step remains ensuring that every child receives both recommended doses.

Parents should stay alert, monitor common symptoms and visit a health facility if a child develops fever, red eyes, cough or a spreading rash. 

Protecting children through full vaccination not only saves lives, but also shields entire communities from outbreaks.