Measles

What is measles?

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in existence. It is caused by the measles virus. You can contract measles if you have not had measles and have not been vaccinated against measles. Children can receive a measles vaccination. As a result, the disease is no longer very common in Bonaire.

How do I recognize measles?

Measles starts suddenly. Symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • feeling unwell
  • runny nose
  • coughing
  • inflamed eyes (sensitive to light)
  • small white spots in the mouth (in 1 out of 3 patients) 

After 3 to 7 days, red spots appear. First behind the ears, then all over the body. These spots feel rough like sandpaper.

Middle ear infections can sometimes also occur with measles. In severe cases, a person develops pneumonia or encephalitis. Very rarely, measles causes encephalitis that does not begin until years after the measles. This late form of encephalitis is fatal.

What to do if I think I or my child has measles?

Call your GP if you think you or your child has measles. Do not go directly to the GP, as you could infect others. It is important to prevent the spread of measles. Some people are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from measles, such as babies, young children, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system.

Here you can find more reliable information about measles: