Measles

Measles, also called red measles, is a highly contagious viral disease that often affects children and can cause very serious complications. The best way to prevent it is to receive the triple viral vaccine.

How Does Measles Spread?

Measles occurs due to the transmission of the measles virus to the body. The virus lives in the nose and throat of the infected person, so it is transmitted to others:

• Through droplets: a spray of cough or sneezing with the virus.
• Through contaminated surfaces: the spray can also land on surfaces and keep the virus active (infectious) for up to two hours. Thus, a healthy person can acquire infection by touching those contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose or rubbing the eye.

The patient can transmit the virus to others from four days before the rash appears to four days after it appears.

Risk Factors

• Not taking measles vaccine.
• Weak immunity.
• Vitamin A deficiency.
• Traveling to measles-endemic countries.

Incubation Period and Symptoms

The incubation period lasts 10-12 days from exposure to the virus, after which measles symptoms begin to appear. Infection occurs in successive stages over a period of two to three weeks.

The Appearance of Undefined Signs and Symptoms

Measles usually begins with mild to moderate fever, often accompanied by:

• A persistent cough.
• Runny nose.
• Conjunctivitis and throat.

These symptoms can last for two to three days.

Severe Illness and Skin Rash Stage

The rash begins with small red spots, which spread in this order until they cover most areas of the body:

1. The face, especially behind the ears and on the hairline.
2. The arms and trunk.
3. Over the thighs, to reach the legs and feet.

During this stage of spreading, body temperature rises sharply, reaching 40-41 °C. The rash then gradually fades, starting from the face to the thighs and feet.

When to See a Doctor?

When exposed to an infected person or the appearance of a rash, as well as when suspecting symptoms.

What Are the Complications of Measles?

• Middle ear inflammation (the most common).
• Diarrhea.
• Pneumonia.
• Encephalitis.
• Pregnancy complications: abortion or premature delivery.
• Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).

How Is Measles Diagnosed?

• Clinical examination: A doctor can usually diagnose measles based on the distinctive rash of the disease, as well as the appearance of small bluish white spots inside the mouth on the lining of the cheek called (Koplik spots).
• Laboratory tests: A blood test can be done to confirm whether the rash is actually measles.

Is There a Treatment for Measles?

There is no specific drug that treats measles, and there is no treatment that can get rid of measles after infection. However, its symptoms can be alleviated by taking some measures, including:

• Post infection vaccine: The vaccine can be taken within 72 hours of exposure to measles for those who have not previously been vaccinated.
• Serum immunoglobulin: An injection of proteins (antibodies) given within six days of exposure to the virus.
• Drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Lowering the lights and closing the curtains to reduce the eye sensitivity to light.

Medications

The following medications may be prescribed for measles:

• Antipyretic.
• Antibiotics (in case of bacterial infection such as pneumonia or otitis).
• Vitamin A supplements to reduce the symptoms and complications of measles.

How Can Measles Be Prevented?

The best way to prevent measles is to receive the triple viral vaccine, a routine vaccination given to children.

To prevent infection, keep the infected away from the healthy people until they recover.

The Triple Viral Vaccine

In general, a person is considered safe if he or she has previously had the disease. The vaccine is usually given as a community immunization for measles, mumps and rubella, and two doses are recommended before the child starts school:

Dose	Age
First	12 months
Second	18 months

Contraindications to the Triple Viral Vaccine

• Pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant within the next four weeks.
• People who are highly sensitive to gelatin or neomycin antibiotic.
• People with very weak immune systems, or who take oral steroids.