What is Measles?
Some people believe measles is just a simple rash and fever that resolve in a few days, but it can cause serious health complications, especially in children under 5 years old.
What causes measles?
- It occurs due to the transmission of the measles virus into the body.
- It is a viral infection that is more common in children.
- It usually goes away within 7 to 10 days.
- Anyone can get measles if they have not been vaccinated before.
What is the incubation period?
- Average 14 days from exposure to rash onset
- Average 10 to 12 days from exposure to early symptoms
Transmission:
- Airborne respiratory droplets (during coughing or sneezing).
- Through indirect contact, such as touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Stages and symptoms:
Infection occurs in successive stages over a period of two to three weeks:
Stage of onset of non-specific signs and symptoms (2 to 4 days):
- Fever
- Cough
- Conjunctivitis and sore throat
- Runny nose
- White-grey spots in mouth
- Headache
Acute disease stage and rash:
Rash starts as small red spots on the face, especially behind the ears and along the hairline, then spreads to arms, trunk, thighs, and eventually to legs and feet, covering most of the body.
Stages may be marked by:
- When in contact with an infected person
- Suspicion of symptoms
- Appearance of rash
Who is most at risk for measles?
- People with weakened immunity
- Children under 5 years old
- Unvaccinated pregnant women
- Unvaccinated individuals
Complications:
- Middle ear inflammation
- Diarrhea
- Pneumonia
- Blindness
- Brain inflammation
Treatment:
There is no specific medicine that treats measles, as symptoms usually improve within 7 to 10 days, but symptoms can be relieved by:
- Antipyretics
- Antibiotics if infection occurs
- Vitamin A supplements to relieve symptoms (as prescribed by a doctor)
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
- Consume healthy food
- Rest while dimming the lighting to reduce the sensitivity of the eyes to light
Prevention:
The best way to prevent measles is to get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is a routine childhood immunization.
Vaccination:
According to the immunization protocol, children receive two doses of MMR vaccine:
- At age of 12 months (1 year)
- At 18 months (1.5 years)
Regardless of previous vaccinations, an additional dose will be given to individuals who were vaccinated previously for more than 28 days to protect the target population and the community from Measles, mumps, and rubella.
Is MMR vaccine safe?
- The MMR vaccine is extremely safe and meets the highest quality standards established by the World Health Organization.
- Side effects from the vaccine are extremely rare.
- Before a vaccine is licensed, it undergoes intensive testing over several years.
- Once in use, health officials in each country ensure safety through stringent monitoring systems.
What are the side effects of MMR vaccine?
- Rash
- Low-grade fever
- Body aches
- Redness