Measles: A Complete Guide to Treatment and Prevention in Hong Kong | Symptoms, Care, and Vaccine Information at a Glance

Hello everyone, today I'd like to discuss measles , a highly contagious disease that, while relatively rare in Hong Kong, still carries the risk of an outbreak. According to the Hong Kong Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection (CHP), measles is a notifiable infectious disease . In recent years, imported cases have led to community transmission in Hong Kong. While widespread vaccination has significantly reduced measles cases, the risk of infection persists for those who are unvaccinated, have low immunity, or travel from measles-endemic areas.

The editor has consulted information from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority (HA), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to compile a quick guide to measles treatment and prevention , so that everyone can understand this highly contagious disease at one go.

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What is measles?

• Causative agent : Measles virus
• Transmission route : droplets, air, direct contact with nasopharyngeal secretions
• Incubation period : Usually 10–12 days
• Infectious period : The most contagious from 4 days before the rash appears to 4 days after the rash appears

Measles is highly contagious. If a susceptible person (not immune) comes into contact with a measles patient, the chance of infection can reach 90% .

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Measles symptoms and course

According to the Hong Kong Department of Health, the typical course of measles is divided into three stages:

1. Prodromal phase

• Persistent high fever
• Cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (commonly known as the "three C" symptoms)
• Koplik spots (small white spots surrounded by a red halo) appear in the mouth

2. Exanthem phase

• The rash begins on the face and behind the ears and spreads to the trunk and limbs within 1–2 days.
• The rash is confluent and lasts about 5–7 days

3. Recovery period

• The rash gradually subsides, and the skin may peel.
• The cough may last for a while

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High-risk groups

• Infants and young children (especially those under 12 months old)
• People who have not been vaccinated against measles
• Patients with weakened immune system (cancer, long-term use of immunosuppressants)
• Pregnant women (infection can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or fetal death)

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Principles of Measles Treatment in Hong Kong

Measles is a viral infection . Currently, there are no specific antiviral drugs. Treatment is primarily supportive care , with the following goals:

1. Relieve symptoms
2. Preventing and managing complications
3. Isolation to prevent spread

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1. Supportive care

Fever reduction and pain relief

• Paracetamol : Safe and commonly used
• Avoid aspirin use in children and adolescents (risk of Reye's syndrome)

Replenish water and nutrition

• Drink plenty of water, clear soup, and juice to prevent dehydration
• Light and easily digestible food

Relieve eye discomfort

• Avoid strong light and wear sunglasses if necessary
• Using artificial tears to relieve dryness

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2. Vitamin A supplementation

The World Health Organization recommends vitamin A supplementation for all children diagnosed with measles, as it can reduce the risk of complications and death. Doctors in Hong Kong will determine the dosage based on age and condition.

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3. Dealing with complications

Measles can cause serious complications, including:

• Pneumonia (one of the most common causes of death in children and adults)
• otitis media
• Encephalitis (rare but fatal)
• Diarrhea and dehydration

People who have complications may need to be hospitalized and receive intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, and antibiotics (for bacterial infections).

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Measles Prevention in Hong Kong

Vaccination

• MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella)
  Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme:
  • First dose: 12 months of age
  • Second dose: before primary one starts
• Adults who have not been vaccinated and have no history of infection can receive a booster shot
• High-risk occupations (medical staff, airport staff) are advised to check their immune status

Post-exposure prophylaxis

• Getting the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to someone with measles can reduce the risk of infection.
• High-risk individuals (pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, infants) can receive immunoglobulin injections within 6 days of exposure.

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Hong Kong Treatment and Prevention Process (Public vs Private)

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Home Care Tips (Editor’s Focus)

• Patients should stay home until at least 4 days after the rash appears and avoid contact with susceptible people.
• Keep the room well ventilated
• Wash hands frequently and use masks to reduce the spread of droplets
• If you experience difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, convulsions, or changes in consciousness, you should go to the hospital immediately.

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Editor's warm summary

Measles is highly contagious, and even in areas like Hong Kong with high vaccination coverage, imported cases can cause outbreaks. Treatment primarily relies on supportive care, but prevention is key— and MMR vaccination is the most effective approach . We remind everyone that if you're unsure whether you have immunity, consult a doctor or get a blood test. Get a booster shot early to protect yourself and those around you.

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This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. The source is referenced from major medical articles