A mother has shared the terrifying ordeal that left her 11-month-old daughter hospitalized for more than a week after contracting measles — a disease she admits her family never imagined could become so serious.

Little Alba Moss, from London, was rushed to hospital after developing a soaring fever that climbed above 107°F (42°C), leaving doctors battling to stabilize the infant as her condition rapidly deteriorated.

The normally healthy baby became so ill that her eyes swelled completely shut for days, she struggled to breathe without oxygen support, and doctors were forced to administer medication to protect her eyesight.

At one point, Alba became entirely unresponsive, leaving her devastated parents fearing the worst.

“Her whole body was swollen and lifeless,” recalled her mother, Jilly Moss. “She didn’t make a sound. I’ve never felt fear like that in my life.”

Like all babies under the age of one, Alba was too young to receive her first measles vaccination.

The frightening ordeal began in late March when Alba developed a high fever and was taken to hospital by ambulance. Doctors initially diagnosed her with viral tonsillitis and sent her home.

Despite concerns from family members who believed the symptoms resembled measles, Alba was repeatedly sent home after further medical visits as her condition continued to worsen.

For days, she refused food and drink while her rash spread and her eyes became increasingly inflamed.

“My husband stayed awake all night watching her because he knew something wasn’t right,” Moss said.

Finally, after being taken to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Alba was admitted and correctly diagnosed with measles.

What followed was every parent’s nightmare.

Doctors considered transferring her to intensive care as breathing difficulties became more severe. Her eyes became so swollen that doctors administered Vitamin A to help prevent potential vision complications.

She also underwent a lumbar puncture as doctors worked to rule out other serious illnesses.

The most frightening moment came when Alba became unresponsive while being transported for a brain scan.

“Doctors told us her little body was so fragile that even being moved around the hospital was taking a toll on her,” her mother said.

After eight days in hospital, Alba was finally discharged and allowed to return home.

However, weeks later, her recovery was still ongoing.

“She’s still not back to her usual self,” Moss explained. “She’s tired, weak and still has coughing fits. It’s going to take time.”

Wanting other parents to understand how severe the illness can become, Moss later shared Alba’s story online.

But instead of receiving only support, she says she was shocked by some of the reactions.

“There were people claiming the photos weren’t real,” she said. “Others accused me of making everything up. It was heartbreaking.”

Today, Alba continues to recover surrounded by her family’s love and support.

Looking back, Moss says she hopes sharing her daughter’s experience will help other families understand how quickly a childhood illness can become a medical emergency.

“We never understood how sick measles could make a baby,” she said. “If sharing Alba’s story helps even one family recognize the signs sooner, then it’s worth it.”

Now smiling again and safely back at home, little Alba’s recovery serves as a powerful reminder of just how resilient children can be — even after facing one of the toughest battles of their young lives.