MEASLES
Measles is a highly infectious viral disease of the respiratory system.
- Also referred to as rubeola, measles is an airborne that spreads easily through the coughs, sneeze of infected people.
- Measles can be serious and fatal for young children as it can lead to pneumonia, blindness, diarrhea, swelling of the brain and even death. It is the leading cause of death in children.
- Measles can spread fast in places where people are not vaccinated. Anyone who is not protected against measles, especially children are at a risk of getting infected
- This is the reason why it is of great importance to be up to date on vaccinations. The measles vaccine is effective in preventing the virus
- After a period of measles, a person gains immunity for the rest of their life i.e. they are very unlikely to get measles a second time.
- Measles affects about 20 million people a year, especially in the developing areas of Africa and Asia.
CAUSES
Measles is caused by the measles virus. This virus replicates in the nose and throat of an infected person and is spread by droplets that are sprayed in the air when an infected person coughs sneeze or talks. The virus can remain active for up to two hours in that airspace or nearby surfaces. You can contract the virus by putting your fingers in your mouth, nose or rubbing your eyes after an infected surface has been touched. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, most non-immune people that are nearby will also get infected.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms appear around 10 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. The symptoms may include:
- A dry cough
- A reddish-brown rash
- Koplik’s spot, small white spots found inside the mouth
- A runny nose
- A sore throat
- Fever
- Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Body aches
The risk factor may include: being unvaccinated, traveling to developing countries where measles is prevalent, and having a vitamin A deficiency.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis can be made based on examination of skin rash and check for symptoms that are characteristics of the disease such as koplik’s spots, fever, sore throat, and cough.
Laboratory confirmation by blood or saliva test may be needed to check for the virus.
TREATMENT
No specific antiviral treatment is available for measles. The aim of treatment is to treat infections, maintain good hydration with adequate fluids, and relieve pain.
Immune serum globulin, this is for pregnant women, children, and people with a weakened immune system who are exposed to the virus. These antibodies, when given within six days of exposure to the virus, can prevent measles or make the symptoms less severe.
Post-exposure vaccination, given to non-immunized people including children within 72 hours of exposure to the virus to provide against the disease.
Vitamin A, severe cases of measles can be experienced in children with level of vitamin A. Giving vitamin A may lessen the severity of measles. This will help to decrease the risk of blindness
Fever and pain may be relieved by using medications such as ibuprofen, or paracetamol
Antibiotics may be used to treat a secondary bacterial infection such as pneumonia if they occur.