Measles: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention
Measles, also called Rubeola, is a highly contagious, acute, and febrile respiratory viral disease. It is a viral disease that can prove serious for young children, but it is easily preventable by the measles vaccine. It is one of the leading causes of worldwide mortality and morbidity, mainly in the regions of Africa and Southeast Asia. However, measles virus transmission is primarily observed among people who have travelled to high-risk countries and also among unvaccinated groups of the population (mainly children) in the community.
Signs and Symptoms of Measles
The symptoms of measles include :
- High fever
- Weakness
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Pitted or cracked nails
- A measles rash
- Sore throat
- Koplik spots inside the mouth
- Muscle pain
- Light sensitivity
The Stages of Measles Disease
The measles virus infection can be segregated into different stages over 2 to 3 weeks.
Measles incubation period
The measles virus spreads throughout the human body in the first 10 to 14 days after infection. During this time, there are no signs or symptoms of measles.
Not specific signs and symptoms
Measles disease starts with a mild fever, accompanied by a continuous cough, a runny nose, a sore throat, and red eyes (conjunctivitis). These mild measles symptoms may stay for 2 to 3 days.
Severe illness and measles rash
The rash consists of raised small red spots. A red blotchy rash in clusters first appears on the forehead. After a few days, the rash spreads to the other body parts. During this time, the patient experiences a high fever.
Measles Causes
Measles thrives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected individual, and the disease can spread to other people through coughing, breathing, and sneezing. When infected people talk, cough, or sneeze, the contaminated droplets get released into the air (where other people can inhale them) or settle on a surface where they remain contagious and active for a longer time. The following factors contribute to the transmission and spread of the measles virus:
Direct Contact
Close contact with an infected person increases the risk of contracting the measles disease. This can occur through face-to-face interactions or sharing living spaces with an infected individual.
Airborne Transmission
Measles is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets expelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can remain in the air for several hours, potentially infecting individuals who inhale them.
Contaminated Surfaces
The measles virus can survive on surfaces and objects for a few hours after being deposited by an infected person. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, particularly the eyes, nose, or mouth, can lead to infection.
Lack of Vaccination
Individuals who are not vaccinated against measles are at a higher risk of infection. Vaccination provides immunity against the virus, reducing the likelihood of contracting measles and contributing to herd immunity.
Travel to Areas with Measles Outbreaks
Traveling to regions where measles outbreaks are occurring increases the risk of exposure to the virus. Measles remains endemic in many parts of the world, and unvaccinated travellers may contract the virus and bring it back to their communities.
Risk Factorss
The risk factors for measles disease are as follows.
Unvaccinated
By not taking the measles vaccine, a person is more vulnerable to measles infection.
Travelling abroad
Travelling to high-risk countries where measles is prevalent can increase the risk of catching the disease
Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency decreases immunity, making measles disease symptoms more severe.
Measles Prevention
The measles vaccine is administered as a combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The chickenpox (varicella) vaccination may also be included in this MMRV vaccine. Medical experts recommend that children get their MMR vaccine shot between 12 and 15 months of age and, after that, between 4 and 6 years of age, before starting school.
Measles Vaccine in Adults
The measles vaccine is administered as a combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The chickenpox (varicella) vaccination may also be included in this MMRV vaccine. Medical experts recommend that children get their MMR vaccine shot between 12 and 15 months of age and, after that, between 4 and 6 years of age, before starting school.
Measles Vaccine in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should get vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine at least a month before getting pregnant. If they don't get immunized during childhood, this is done. Pregnant women can also take vaccines right after the delivery of the baby, even during breastfeeding.
The Diagnosis of Measles Include
Know about the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of measles. Get information on this disease. Call now. Laboratory blood, including a complete blood count (CBC) and tissue sample tests from a throat or nose swab and urine test, can confirm the diagnosis.
The doctor may ask about the medical history, such as
- The child has received measles vaccines.
- Any travel history to high-risk countries with prevalent measles disease.
- Any close contact with an infected person.
The two doses of the MMR vaccine are quite effective in the prevention of measles. The measles symptoms are generally mild in the vaccinated people.
Measles Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. The management is primarily supportive, including fever reducers, antibiotics, and vitamin A. Controlling fever, dehydration, and infection, including isolation, are the primary treatment methods.
According to WHO, malnourished children need to be administered daily doses of vitamin A for two days or more. Some measures can be taken to protect unvaccinated people after they've been exposed to the virus.
Post-exposure vaccination
Individuals with poor immunity to measles and infants can be administered the measles vaccine within three days of exposure to the measles virus.
Immune serum globulin
Adults, including pregnant women and infants who are infected with the virus, may receive an injection of proteins (antibodies) known as immune serum globulin. This can prevent the illness or make symptoms less severe.
