Measles is a highly infective, viral disease, which is usually prominent among children. It sets in with symptoms of catarrh e.g., sneezing, running nose, redness and watering of eyes, hoarse cough, prostration and fever which may go quite high i.e. 103 - 104° F. Measles is spread through respiration i.e. contact with fluids from an infected person`s nose and mouth, either directly or through aerosol transmission, and is highly contagious. In this way 90 percent of people without immunity sharing a house with an infected person will catch it.

At the early stage, it is difficult to distinguish measles from an attack of cold or influenza. However, in about 24 hours characteristic Koplik spots i.e. raised, white, salt-like spots develop inside the mouth, confirming the diagnosis. On the fourth day the measles appear small, red rashes, first on the face, then on the neck or body and finally on the legs.

Treatment
Measles can easily be prevented through Homoeopathy. When an epidemic of measles breaks out, the child should be given a dose of Morbillinum 200 in the morning and another in the evening. This homoeopathic medicine confers upon the child, a reasonably strong immunity against measles.

However, if the child has already contracted an infection of measles, he or she should immediately be given that remedy from the below-listed ones, whose symptoms match with those of the child:

Aconite 30: This medicine is suitable for sudden onset of acute symptoms accompanied by intense nervousness, restlessness and an inexplicable fear, especially in the evening and at night. During fever, the child has an acute thirst for large quantities of cold water. He feels better in open air. These are the symptoms for which the medicine can be used.

Arsenic 30: the symptoms for using this medicine can be mentioned as the child exhibits acute restlessness, anguish and also fear. However, unlike Aconite, he dislikes cold drinks or foods because they seem to worsen his problems. Moreover, he complains of burning in the eyes, the skin, etc., which is relieved by warm applications as well.

Belladonna 30: This medicine can be used at sudden onset of acute symptoms of measles. The skin of the face and the body is dry, hot and red. Unlike Aconite, there is an absence of thirst, especially during the febrile stage, and a dislike for open air.

Bryonia 30: Very slow, gradual onset of symptoms, accompanied by dryness of the eyes, the mouth, the intestines, etc. Consequently, there is acute thirst for large quantities of cold water. The child lies absolutely still on the bed because even the slightest motion seems to aggravate his problems, even when coughing he holds his chest to prevent it from moving.

Euphrasia 30: This medicine is suitable during the early stages of the disease if these symptoms are present. Profuse watering from the eyes, causing burning and redness of eyes, however, profuse nasal discharge is bland or non-burning, cough is present only during the day-time especially in the evening but is absent at night as well.

Ferrum phos 30: Slow, gradual onset of symptoms. Fever intensifies at night or in the early morning. There is throbbing headache which is relieved by cold applications.

Gelsemium 30: This medicine is useful in very slow or gradual attack of symptoms of measles, accompanied by dullness of the mind, drowsiness and dizziness. There is trembling of the limbs and the whole body. Another characteristic feature is complete absence of thirst.

Pulsatilla 30: This remedy, perhaps, is the most important medicine for measles, is distinguished by a weeping disposition, thirstlessness and an internal feeling of chilliness. The child dislikes covering and wants to be in open air. All these are mainly the symptoms for which the medicine can be used.