MEASLES

 DEFINITION

• Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus. 
• Also called rubeola, measles can be serious and even fatal for small children

SYMPTOMS 

Measles signs and symptoms appear 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek — also called Koplik's spots
• A skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another

The infection occurs in sequential stages over a period of two to three weeks.

• Infection and incubation - For the first 10 to 14 days after you're infected, the measles virus incubates. You have no signs or symptoms of measles during this time.

• Nonspecific signs and symptoms - Measles typically begins with a mild to moderate fever, often accompanied by a persistent cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis) and sore throat. This relatively mild illness may last two or three days.

• Acute illness and rash - The rash consists of small red spots, some of which are slightly raised. Spots and bumps in tight clusters give the skin a splotchy red appearance. The face breaks out first, particularly behind the ears and along the hairline.

• Communicable period -  A person with measles can spread the virus to others for about eight days, starting four days before the rash appears and ending when the rash has been present for four days.

CAUSES

1. The cause of measles is a virus that replicates in the nose and throat of an infected child or adult.
2. When someone with measles coughs, sneezes or talks, infected droplets spray into the air, where other people can inhale them. 
3. You can contract the virus by putting your fingers in your mouth or nose or rubbing your eyes after touching the infected surface.

RISK FACTOR

• Being unvaccinated - If you haven't received the vaccine for measles, you're much more likely to develop the disease.
• Traveling internationally - If you travel to developing countries, where measles is more common, you're at higher risk of catching the disease.
• Having a vitamin A deficiency - If you don't have enough vitamin A in your diet, you're more likely to contract measles and to have more-severe symptoms.

TREATMENT

No treatment can get rid of an established measles infection. However, some measures can be taken to protect vulnerable individuals who have been exposed to the virus.

• Post-exposure vaccination - Nonimmunized people, including infants, may be given the measles vaccination within 72 hours of exposure to the measles virus to provide protection against the disease. If measles still develops, the illness usually has milder symptoms and lasts for a shorter time.

• Immune serum globulin - Pregnant women, infants and people with weakened immune systems who are exposed to the virus may receive an injection of proteins (antibodies) called immune serum globulin. When given within six days of exposure to the virus, these antibodies can prevent measles or make symptoms less severe.

PREVENTION 

• Isolation
• Vaccinate
• Promoting and preserving herd immunity.
• Preventing a resurgence of measles.

reference  : measles