Management of Complications
Treatment Options and Supportive Care
Safe and effective antiviral therapy for measles is not available. In vitro data suggest that ribavirin, a guanosine analog used to treat hepatitis C and viral hemorrhagic fevers, impairs measles morbillivirus (MeV) replication. However, while several cases of ribavirin efficacy in children with severe measles (particularly immunocompromised individuals) have been reported, no controlled trials have been conducted do date and the drug is not Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for treatment of measles. Management therefore centers on supportive care.
Uncomplicated cases of measles require only symptomatic care, including bed rest, hydration (especially if diarrhea is present) and antipyretics. Patients with secondary bacterial infections require prompt treatment with an appropriate antibiotic regimen, the choice of which depends on the causative organism and type of infection. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy is not recommended.
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Treatment Options and Supportive Care
Safe and effective antiviral therapy for measles is not available. In vitro data suggest that ribavirin, a guanosine analog used to treat hepatitis C and viral hemorrhagic fevers, impairs measles morbillivirus (MeV) replication. However, while several cases of ribavirin efficacy in children with severe measles (particularly immunocompromised individuals) have been reported, no controlled trials have been conducted do date and the drug is not Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for treatment of measles. Management therefore centers on supportive care.
Uncomplicated cases of measles require only symptomatic care, including bed rest, hydration (especially if diarrhea is present) and antipyretics. Patients with secondary bacterial infections require prompt treatment with an appropriate antibiotic regimen, the choice of which depends on the causative organism and type of infection. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy is not recommended.
References
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- WHO Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Surveillance Standards Measles Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Surveillance Standards. Accessed August 14, 2024. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/immunization/vpd_surveillance/vpd-surveillance-standards-publication/who-surveillancevaccinepreventable-11-measles-r2.pdf?sfvrsn=6d8879f9_10&download=true
