Chart — Pediatrics
Childhood Communicable Diseases Comparison Chart
The vaccine-preventable childhood diseases by their hallmark finding and — the part the exam cares most about — the right isolation. Remember the airborne three with “MTV”: Measles, TB, Varicella.
Educational use only. Isolation precautions and return-to-school timing follow current CDC guidance and your facility’s infection-control policy — confirm before acting. This material supports nursing education and exam review. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional policy, or medical direction. Always follow facility protocols and current provider orders.
Disease by Disease
| Disease | Hallmark finding | Isolation | Key concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measles (rubeola) | 3 C's (cough, coryza, conjunctivitis) → Koplik spots → red blotchy head-to-toe rash | Airborne | Pneumonia, encephalitis; vitamin A may be given |
| Varicella (chickenpox) | Itchy rash in crops — macules, papules, vesicles, crusts all at once | Airborne + Contact | Contagious until all crusted; NO aspirin (Reye) |
| Pertussis (whooping cough) | Paroxysmal cough with inspiratory 'whoop,' post-cough vomiting | Droplet | Apnea in young infants; macrolide antibiotics |
| Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum) | 'Slapped-cheek' face then lacy body rash | Droplet (not infectious once rash appears in healthy kids) | Fetal anemia risk if pregnant contact exposed |
| Rubella (German measles) | Mild pink rash, posterior auricular lymphadenopathy | Droplet | Congenital rubella syndrome — danger is the fetus |
| Mumps | Parotid (cheek/jaw) swelling, earache with chewing | Droplet | Orchitis, rarely meningitis |
| Scarlet fever | Sandpaper rash, strawberry tongue, after strep pharyngitis | Droplet until 24 h of antibiotics | Treat strep to prevent rheumatic fever / glomerulonephritis |
Exam Traps
- ✦Airborne = Measles, TB, Varicella ('MTV'); varicella also needs contact. The rest here are droplet.
- ✦Koplik spots (white spots in the mouth) appear BEFORE the measles rash.
- ✦Varicella shows lesions in ALL stages at once and is contagious until everything crusts; never give aspirin (Reye).
- ✦Rubella and fifth disease threaten the FETUS — the pregnant contact is the priority.
- ✦Scarlet fever is strep — treat it to prevent rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.
Related Resources
Standards & sources
Fact-checked Jun 21, 2026This page is written to align with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) · CDC / ACIP (immunization schedule). It is an educational summary, not a citation of any single document — always verify specific doses, values, and protocols against current guidelines and your facility policy. How we source content →