What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious, serious respiratory disease caused by a virus. it is associated with children but can also be transferred to adults. The measles virus normally grows in the cells that line the back of the throat and lungs.
What are the signs and symptoms of Measles?
- High fever 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus, and lasts four to seven days (38.3 C and above)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red and watery eyes
- Small white spots inside the cheeks
- Cough that may lasts for 10 days
- Skin rashes (Starts on the face below the hairline and upper neck and spreads up to hands and feet)
- The highly contagious virus is spread by coughing and sneezing
- Close personal contact or direct contact with infected nose or throat secretions
- The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours
- It can be transmitted by an infected person from four days prior to the onset of rash to four days after the rash erupts
There is no specific antiviral treatment exists for measles virus. However, good nutrition, adequate fluid intake and treatment of dehydration are very important to prevent severe complications of measles. All children in developing countries diagnosed with measles should receive two doses of vitamin A supplements, given 24 hours apart. This vitamin is to prevent eye damage and blindness. Vitamin A supplements have been shown to reduce the number of deaths from measles by 50%.
The most effective preventive measure is vaccination, that is safe and inexpensive. Hand washing and cough etiquette are also important to prevent the spread of measles. And it is encourage to avoid crowded places when outbreak occurs.
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