Question

In a case of measles, which antibiotic should be given?

• A. Amoxicillin
• B. Vitamin A supplementation only, no antibiotic needed
• C. Erythromycin
• D. Co-trimoxazole

Hint:

Measles is viral, but secondary bacterial infections are treated -- recall which antibiotic covers typical respiratory bacterial complications.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Measles is a viral illness caused by a single-stranded negative-sense enveloped RNA paramyxovirus. Antibiotics have no antiviral effect but are used to prevent or treat secondary bacterial complications -- the most common being otitis media and bacterial pneumonia (caused by $\text{Streptococcus pneumoniae}$, $H. influenzae$).

$\text{Erythromycin}$ is the classically recommended antibiotic in measles management. It is a macrolide that provides coverage against respiratory pathogens commonly causing secondary complications.

Additional management includes:
- Vitamin A: 200,000 IU for 2 days (reduces severity and mortality)
- Supportive care (antipyretics, fluids)
- Isolation for 4 days after rash onset

The measles vaccine (MMR) is a live attenuated vaccine and is the best prevention strategy.

\[\boxed{\text{Erythromycin}}\]