Years ago, before effective prevention, measles,
mumps, and rubella were common, serious childhood
diseases. Even though measles, mumps, and rubella
are not seen often today, it is important to know
about them so you can help safeguard your family
and yourself.
Measles
Measles passes easily from person to person. At
one time, as many as 200,000-500,000 people contracted
measles each year in the United States. Measles
causes a spreading rash with red spots on the
skin, and usually fever, swollen eyes, sensitivity
to light, coughing, and itching. Measles can last
as long as 2 weeks and can cause pneumonia and
ear infections.
Anyone can get measles, but it is worse for infants
and adults. Although it does not happen often,
children who get measles can suffer brain damage
or even die.
Mumps
Mumps causes sore, swollen glands near the ears,
as well as "chills," headache, anorexia, muscle
pain, fever, and pain when chewing or swallowing.
Mumps can last up to a week or longer.2 Mumps
mostly affects children 5-15 years old.
Sometimes children suffer problems with their
central nervous systems (including meningitis)
after having mumps, and - very rarely - adolescent
boys can become sterile.
Rubella
Rubella, or "German measles," begins with a
"sick feeling," followed by a pink rash on the
face, which then spreads over the body. There
are usually tender, swollen glands, and fever.
Rubella can last a little over a week.
If a pregnant woman gets rubella, she can lose
the baby, or the baby can be born with quite severe
birth defects, such as deafness, glaucoma/cataracts,
heart disease, mental retardation, and other problems.
