A child with fever and who has measles, or has had measles within the last three months, should be classified both for fever and for measles.

Measles can be classified into three types:

  • Severe complicated measles.
  • Measles with eye or mouth complications.
  • Measles.

i) Severe complicated measles

Children with measles may have other serious complications. A child with any general danger sign, clouding of the cornea or profound and extensive mouth ulcers will be classified as "severe complicated measles".

ii) Measles with eye or mouth complications

If the child has pus draining from the eye or mouth ulcers which are not deep or extensive, you should classify the child as having measles with eye or mouth complications. A child with this classification does not need a referral.

iii) Measles

A child with measles now or within the last three months and with none of the complications listed in the pink or yellow rows is classified as having measles. You should give the child a therapeutic dose of vitamin A to help prevent measles complications from developing. Table 6.7 summarises these classifications and also indicates what treatment should be provided according to the classification.

A Febrile Child Who Has Measles Now or Within the Last Three Months

SIGNS CLASSIFY TREATMENT
  • Any general danger sign or
  • Clouding of cornea or
  • Deep or extensive mouth ulcers.
    		•  SEVERE COMPLICATED MEASLES ***
  • Give Vitamin A, first dose.
  • Give the first dose of Cotrimoxazole.
  • If clouding of the cornea or pus draining from the eye, apply Tetracycline eye ointment.
  • Refer URGENTLY to the hospital or health centre.
    		•
  • Pus draining from the eye or
  • Mouth ulcers.
    		•  MEASLES WITH EYE OR MOUTH COMPLICATIO
  • Give Vitamin A, therapeutic dose.
  • If pus is draining from the eye, treat eye infection with Tetracycline eye ointment.
  • If mouth ulcers, treat with gentian violet.
  • Advise mother when to return immediately.
  • Follow-up in 2 days.
    		•
  • Measles now or within the last 3 months.
    		•  MEASLES
  • Give Vitamin A, therapeutic dose.
  • Advise mother when to return immediately.
    		•
    Last modified: Wednesday, 1 March 2017, 1:57 AM