Paediatrics, by video or in person
Measles
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Measles
- A high fever
- A running nose and cough
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots inside the cheeks
- A rash that starts on the face and behind the ears and spreads down the body, a few days after the fever
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Measles is a very contagious viral illness, spread through the air by coughing, sneezing and breathing. It starts like a bad cold, with a high fever, a running nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and tiny white spots inside the cheeks. Three to five days later a rash appears on the face and neck and spreads down the body. On dark skin the rash can be harder to see. There is no medicine that kills the measles virus, but good care prevents many of the complications, which include pneumonia, severe diarrhoea, ear and eye infections, blindness and swelling of the brain. They are most common in children under five, in malnourished children, and in children who are not vaccinated. WHO recommends vitamin A for young children with measles, and two doses of the vaccine for lasting protection.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A high fever
- A running nose and cough
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots inside the cheeks
- A rash that starts on the face and behind the ears and spreads down the body, a few days after the fever
- Tiredness, irritability and poor feeding
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital emergency department now if a child with measles is breathing fast or with difficulty, is very drowsy, has a fit, cannot drink or breastfeed, has diarrhoea with signs of dehydration, or has painful eyes or cannot see clearly. These can be signs of pneumonia, dehydration, eye damage or brain swelling. Any child you think has measles should be assessed by a doctor, who can give vitamin A. Tell the clinic before you arrive, so your child can be kept away from other children, babies and pregnant women. A paediatrician by video can assess your child first and tell you where to go.
Treatment options
- Vitamin A given by a doctor or health worker at diagnosis, as WHO recommends for young children with measles
- Plenty of fluids and continued breastfeeding and feeding, with oral rehydration solution for diarrhoea
- Fever medicine for comfort, at the dose on the pack or from your doctor
- Antibiotics only for a bacterial complication such as pneumonia, or an ear or eye infection
- Hospital care for a child with any danger sign
- Keeping the child at home and away from others until four days after the rash appeared
- Checking that brothers, sisters and others at home are fully vaccinated
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
My child has had one measles vaccine. Are they protected?
One dose protects many children, but two doses are needed for lasting protection. Where measles is common, WHO says the first dose is usually given at nine months and the second at 15 to 18 months. Check your child's immunisation card and ask about any dose that is missing.
When can my child go back to school?
A child with measles can pass it on from four days before the rash appears until four days after. Keep your child at home until then, and away from babies and pregnant women.
Can a paediatrician assess measles by video?
A paediatrician can look at the rash and eyes on camera, check for danger signs, and tell you how soon and where your child needs to be seen for vitamin A and an examination. A child with any danger sign needs a hospital, not a call.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified paediatrics specialist near you.
Paediatrics in Lagos →Paediatrics in Abuja →Paediatrics in Port Harcourt →Paediatrics in Jos →Paediatrics in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Measles. World Health Organization. Fact sheet.
- Measles. NHS. Patient information.
- Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) set of distance learning modules. World Health Organization, 2014. Clinical guideline.
Links last checked 29 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.