MEASLES

What is measles?
Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus. Once quite common, measles can now almost always be prevented with a vaccine. Signs and symptoms of measles include cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, sore throat, fever and a red, blotchy skin rash.

CAUSATIVE AGENT

Measles is caused by an RNA paramyxovirus. Humans are the only natural host. Carriers are not known to occur. The virus remains in the air in droplet form for several hours, especially in humid weather.

SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOMS

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Inflammed eyes

SYMPTOMS

• Inflammed eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers along the mouth ;also called Koplik's spots
• A skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another

How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor can usually diagnose measles based on the disease's characteristic rash as well as a small, bluish-white spot on a bright red background — Koplik's spot — on the inside lining of the cheek. If necessary, a blood test can confirm whether the rash is truly measles.

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. Because measles is highly contagious from about four days before to four days after the rash breaks out, people with measles shouldn't return to activities in which they interact with other people during this period.

It may also be necessary to keep nonimmunized people — siblings, for example — away from the infected person.

Vaccinate. Be sure that anyone who's at risk of getting the measles who hasn't been fully vaccinated receives the measles vaccine as soon as possible. This includes anyone born after 1957 who hasn't been vaccinated, as well as infants older than 6 months.