Measles

Measles used to be a common deadly disease among children before the vaccine, especially in children younger than 5 with severely weakened immunity.

Measles

Measles is an extremely contagious disease that usually causes simple symptoms, yet it could lead to life-threatening complications and even death.

Measles caused high numbers of deaths among children worldwide before the invention of its vaccine.

Measles (rubeola) is a disease that’s different from German measles (rubella).

Causes of measles

Measles is caused by a virus, and it’s a very contagious disease. The virus can spread in different ways:

• Through the air that comes out of a patient when they talk, breathe, sneeze, and cough.
• From a pregnant woman to her fetus and from the mother to her baby while breastfeeding.
• By touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting the hand in the mouth, nose, or eyes.
• When someone catches measles, they become contagious for four days before the appearance of the rash until four days after it appears.

Symptoms of measles

• The first symptoms of red measles start as flu-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, dry cough, conjunctivitis, tiredness, sore throat, muscle ache, and headache. It might also cause digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• 2-3 days after that, Koplik spots start appearing inside the mouth, which are tiny white spots.
• The rash begins to manifest 2-3 days after that, and it usually starts on the face or neck and then spreads down to the rest of the body. The rash looks like large, flat spots and small, raised bumps.

Complications of measles

Measles could cause mild to life-threatening complications, such as:

• Pneumonia, bronchitis, and laryngitis.
• Ear infections.
• Dehydration.
• Encephalitis.
• Pregnancy problems.

Diagnosis of measles

• Physical exam.
• Blood and urine tests.
• Nose or throat swabs.

Treatment of measles

• There isn’t a cure for measles, and the treatment is usually resting and drinking fluids.
• Measles can be prevented by the vaccine.