Measles (Rubella or Rubeola)- Things To Remember

Overview
Measles, also known as rubeola or morbilli, is an infectious disease caused by the rubeola virus; there are 21 different strains of this virus. It is characterized by the appearance of red rashes all over the body. You can ensure your child does not contract measles by getting vaccinated. According to an estimate by the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.6 million people die of measles due to not being vaccinated.
The disease is viral and hence spread rapidly among people, while some people may develop resistance over time. The recovery period for the disease is between 7-10 days.
If a person contracts measles once in his lifetime, then his chances of contracting the disease are slim to none.
Symptoms of Measles
Most of the time when someone contracts a rubeola infection, it is through physical contact. The symptoms within 9-11 days after being infected. Symptoms include,
Dry cough
Runny nose
Redness and swelling in the eyes due to conjunctivitis; as well as watery eyes
Sneezing
Sensitivity to light
Reddish-brown rashes that appear all over the body, that last over a week.
Koplik’s spots that appear before the rash. These spots are greyish white in colour and are found in the inside of the mouth and throat.
Fever with a temperature up to 40.6 degree Celsius.
Possible Complications of Measles
In many cases, measles gives rise to many complications. This usually occurs when the patient has a weak immune system, due to being infected with HIV or having diseases like leukaemia, or a vitamin deficiency. Young children or adults above 20 years of age have a high risk of developing complications from the disease.
Possible complications include,
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Eye infection due to conjunctivitis
Infections in the respiratory tracts such as bronchitis or laryngitis
Infection in the ear that could lead to loss of hearing
Difficulty in breathing
Seizures in infants and children
Bacterial pneumonia in case the patient has a weak immune system
Hepatitis; this occurs if the adult or infant is on some medications
Encephalitis
Thrombocytopenia, which is a reduction in the platelet count in the blood, thus affecting blood’s clotting ability
Due to the muscles and nerves in the eye being affected, the patient may end up with a squint
Measles During A Pregnancy
Measles during pregnancy is dangerous to both the mother and the fetus. If a mother isis not vaccinated before conception, she needs to visit the doctor before it happens.
If the mother contracts measles during her pregnancy it could lead to miscarriage, premature delivery or low birth weight,
Types of Measles
There are two different types of measles-
Measles: This is the more commonly occurring one. It is caused by the rubeola virus
Rubella or the German measles: This type is caused due to the rubella virus. Although this type is presented with mild symptoms, it poses more of a risk to the child if the mother was infected during pregnancy. German measles isn’t as infectious or severe as the standard measles.
Causes of Measles
A person contracts measles because of being affected by the rubeola virus. The disease is contagious and everyone is susceptible to the disease if they are not vaccinated.
The virus is usually found in the mucus of the nose and throat.
The disease is contagious from the time the patient is infected up to 4-5 days after the rashes begin to appear.
A person could be infected by,
Coming in physical contact with an infected person
Being around infected people, and if they happen to sneeze or cough without covering
Coming in contact with cough or sneeze droplets of the infected person. This could occur if touch any item that has been sneezed on by the infected person.
Diagnosis of Measles
It is quite easy to diagnose measles. A complete examination of the existing signs and symptoms will help with the diagnosis. Conducting a blood test shall confirm the presence of rubeola virus in the bloodstream.
Prevention of Measles
The best way to prevent measles is by getting yourself and your child vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In the case of children, have the MMR vaccine administered at 12-15 months, and then follow it with a booster shot around the time they are 4-6 years old.
Women who are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant soon, must not take the vaccine. The same goes for people who are allergic to antibiotics neomycin and gelatin.
People who have had their immune system compromised must also contact the doctor to confirm if they have to be vaccinated again.
It would also be wise to avoid getting in contact with infected patients or use their personal items.
Treatment of Measles
Measles does not have any specific course of treatment. Usually, the doctors recommend that the patient takes rest and drinks plenty of fluids until completely recovered, which takes up to 2 weeks. Here are a few suggestions that could help ease the discomfort one faces during measles.
High temperatures caused due to fever can be combatted by applying cool cloth.
Do not smoke or expose yourself to smoke or dust
Keep the surroundings around the patient darkened, as measles decreases the yes’ sensitivity to light.
Home remedies like lemon juice and honey may help the child with the cough.
Crustiness around the eys due to conjunctivitis os to be cleaned with a warm damp cloth
Increase the intake of fluids
Keep the child isolated or quarantined to avoid further spread of infection
In case of possible bacterial infections, the patient shall be prescribed antibiotics
Administer eye drops for the eye infection
Vitamin A supplements, if the child is Vitamin A deficient, but consult a doctor before providing vitamin supplements.
Visit a doctor when..
Parents have no way of knowing if their child has measles, every rash is not a measle symptom. But it is always better to be safe than sorry. So visit the doctor when you suspect that you or your child has measles.
If the fever rises to above 38 degree Celsius.
Also once the symptoms are gone, but still the fever persists, then immediately visit the doctor.
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