Thousands of people die from measles annually, mostly children. But it is also a very preventable disease. With the right knowledge on measles causes, measles symptoms, prevention of measles, and measles treatment, communities can prevent outbreaks and save lives.

What is Measles?

Measles is a condition caused by rubeola virus belonging to the family of paramyxovirus. Measles initially targets the respiratory system but later infects the entire body. Measles may lead to all kinds of complications from infection of the ears to pneumonia and brain damage in severe cases.

Though usually seen in children, measles in children will be more severe since their immune systems are still developing. Adults who have not been immunized will also be at risk and will experience complications. Due to having a high case fatality rate from measles, measles has also become a public health issue worldwide despite the existence of safe and effective vaccines.

Causes and Transmission of Measles

The measles virus is the only etiology of measles. The condition is transmitted through measles transmission practices such as:

  • Airborne transmission – An infected person's coughing, sneezing, or talking releases droplets that remain suspended in the air for two hours.
  • Surface contamination – Putting your mouth, eyes, or nose on contaminated surfaces after touching will transmit the virus.
  • Close contact – Being in close proximity with a patient suffering from measles significantly increases the risk.
The Measles incubation period is typically 10–14 days. The patient is not ill but infectious to others at subsequent Measles rash stages. Due to the extremely high infectivity of measles, one patient can infect 12–18 individuals. Vaccination and early quarantine when measles breaks out are therefore the best recourse.

Symptoms and Signs of Measles

Earliest identification of signs of measles prevents transmission and allows early treatment. The disease typically goes through phases:

  • Early Warning Signs (Before Rash Appears)
  • Fever, usually higher than 104°F (40°C)
  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Red watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Sore throat and crankiness
Small white patches in the mouth, Koplik's spots, an unmistakable sign of measles

Phases of Measles Rash

Rash is one of the most common signs of the disease and is found in three phases

  • Start – It begins as soft red-colored spots on the hairline and face.
  • Spread – Spreads to the arms, chest, neck, and then to the legs and feet.
  • Peak and resolution – Lesions coalesce to form blotches. The rash resolves in a week.
Except for the rash, fever also peaks and other symptoms of measles worsen.

Diagnosis of Measles

Physicians are able to make the measles diagnosis of most cases based on history and physical examination. Fever, cough, conjunctivitis, and rash are sufficient to make a clinical diagnosis in the majority of cases.

Lab work is occasionally performed for confirmation during an outbreak:

  • Blood test – To look for evidence of the presence of antibodies against measles virus.
  • Throat swab or nasal swab – To detect viral RNA.
  • Urinalysis – Occasionally to verify infection.
Early and accurate diagnosis of measles is significant for the patient as well as to prevent outbreaks in society.

Prevention of Measles

Vaccine against measles is prevention of choice for measles. The vaccine against measles is safe and has been proven to be a worldwide lifesaver. It is preferably administered as the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella).


Measles Vaccine Schedule

  • First dose – Administered to children aged 9–12 months.
  • Second dose – Administered between 15–18 months age group or on school entry.
Adults with no history of ever receiving measles vaccine or whose history is unclear must be vaccinated.

Other Preventive Practices

  • Isolation – The infected individuals should not contact other persons at least four days after the development of rash.
  • Hygiene – Hand washing frequently with soap and avoiding close contact prevents measles.
Mass immunization, if there is sufficient vaccine coverage, induces herd Measles immunity, which decreases the chance of measles outbreak.

Treatment and Care of Measles

Measles has no treatment, but measles treatment is done through relief from symptoms, prevention of complications, and improvement in the immune system.
Universal Method of Treatment

  • Fever reducers – Drugs such as paracetamol or ibuprofen reduce fever and provide relief.
  • Hydration – Having sufficient fluid averts dehydration from sweating and fever.
  • Vitamin A supplements – WHO suggests decreasing the risk of complications of measles like pneumonia and blindness.
  • Rest – Bed rest aids the body to expel the virus.
  • Hospital care – The seriously ill patients may be treated with oxygen, IV liquids, or antibiotics for secondary infection.

Measles Recovery Time

The majority of patients measles recovery time is within 2–3 weeks. Recovery is longer from measles in malnourished or immune-compromised patients.

Potential Complications

Measles may cause serious health complications in children and unvaccinated adults. The most frequent of the measles complications are:

  • Ear infections
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Pneumonia (measles' largest killer)
  • Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
  • Blindness (occurs seldom, but starved individuals are at risk)
Due to these risks, infection prevention is always preferable to treatment for measles alone.

Global Impact of Measles

Measles remains to be the scourge of the world even with measles vaccination campaigns that serve to decrease the number of infections. Measles spreads rapidly where coverage of the vaccine is low and causes hospitalization and death.

Measles mortality rate in developing countries is also aggravated since access to health care services is reduced. Over 136,000 people globally have lost their lives due to measles in the last several decades, primarily children, according to the World Health Organization. Measles vaccination will require supplementation with vaccination for the preservation of global health.

Conclusion

Measles is not only a childhood disease—it is a highly infectious viral illness with a potential threat to life-threatening complications. God bless, measles is totally preventable with immunization. Now that we know measles causes, symptoms of measles, measles prevention, and treatment of measles, we can guard ourselves and our communities.

Immunization, early detection of measles, and good treatment result in rapid recovery and decrease mortality from measles. Eradication of measles is an ongoing struggle, but with combined efforts, eradication is possible worldwide.

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