Toddler Q & A

Question

I've been wondering how my almost 2years old son came down with measles even after making sure he got immunised during the last nationwide measles vac

Dr Oki Emmanuel · Accepted Answer

It's possible an immunised child will have measles. There are few reasons why an immunised child will have measles.  (1) The measles vaccine the baby had was not original, or it has lost its potency by a break in the cold chain.....that is why it is important you take your vaccines in reputable places especially govt ...some private hospitals store in their fridge with NEPA wahala...cold chain could have been broken (2)The vaccine was given at the time the mum's own measles antibodies are still working...this will neutralize the vaccine so child was vaccinated but not immunized.....this is the challenge or dilemma we face about the optimal time to give measles vaccine....usually the vaccine wanes by 6 months but may persist in some babies as at the time the vaccine is being given at 9 months......hence while we advocate booster dose at 12 - 15 months given with mumps and rubella as MMR

Esther Dozie · Answer

The baby will be treated symptomatic. My daughter had measles at 10months after she was vaccinated at 9months. We were on admission for about a week. I found it hard to accept it was measles cos she had been vaccinated. So ensure your baby is well hydrated but get him/her to the hospital for proper care

Esther Dozie · Answer

Mom, also note that very rarely the child can still have measles even after being properly immunized but it happens, it will be mild measles

Dr Oki Emmanuel · Answer

Also note that this infection the child has now may not be measles. Yes, there are other skin infections that may look like measles but are not measles. The only way to confirm measles is not just by the rashes but by a test as recommended by your doctor....then you are 100% sure it is measles.....there are many other viral infections that can mimic measles even drug reactions

Racheal Itua · Answer

Also, the child's immunity can wane after some years.....this is the reason we do some measles campaigns....when all children 0 - 59 months are given 2nd doses of measles vaccines

Flora Tokunbo · Answer

Have you confirmed that what he has is Measles? There are many causes of similar skin Rashes like that of measles that may not necessarily be Measles. I will advise you take the child to the hospital for proper evaluation first

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