Measles - A Quick Read
Having high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes?
Have not been vaccinated for measles and came in contact with a measles patient?
What is Measles?
highly infectious viral infection.
Types:
Rubeola - standard measles caused by rubeola virus
Rubella virus - commonly called rubella or german measles/
Risk Group
People coming in contact with measles infected patient
weakened immune system patients
young children
Rubella more concern to pregnant mothers and unborn babies
Signs and Symptoms
watery eyes or conjunctivitis
dry or hacking cough
sneezing or running nose
high fever
sensitivity to light
may have reddish-brown rash starting behind the ear and spreads, after 3 to 4 days of initial infection and last about a week
may have grayish white spots with bluish-white centers in the mouth, cheeks or throat
body pains generally
symptoms will appear after about 10 days of initial infection
will usually last for 7 to 10 days
Causes and spread
there are 21 different strains of the measles virus.
physical contact with patient with measles.
being in vicinity when patient coughs or sneezes without proper hygiene and cover.
can spread from touching surfaces that have been exposed to infected discharge from the patients nasal, eye or mouth and putting unwashed hands into mouth or eyes.
surfaces remain actively infected for at least 2 hours after exposure.
Lifestyle Adaptations
if child has fever from measles, keep them cool (not cold) and give some medication for fever.
no smoking near patients where possible.
suggest sunglasses to help with the light sensitivity.
wash and clean eyes properly if infected with clean materials.
Proper hydration will help during the infection.
Treatment and alternatives
no known specific treatment for measles.
Symptomatic treatment suggested
Increased fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
Patient will not usually get measles for the second time in their lifestyle (immune after first infection)
Vitamin A supplements if deficient may help
Prevention
MMR vaccines for mumps, measles and rubella
gives protection against both the types of measles - both standard and german measles.
however, once infected will give lifelong immunity.
Complications and concerns
symptoms do not improve
fever rises above 38 degrees and does not go away even when the other symptoms finish
diarrhoea
vomiting
eye infection
respiratory infections and difficulty breathing
ear infections
miscarriage if measles during pregnancy
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