Measles

definition

 Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus. Once quite common, measles can now almost always be prevented with a vaccine.

Also called rubeola, measles can be serious and even fatal for small children

The first systematic description of measles, and its distinction from smallpox and chickenpox, is credited to the Persian physician Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi (860–932), who published The Book of Smallpox and Measles

mode of transmission -

The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

IP 10 - 14 DAYS

Measles signs and symptoms

 appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Signs and symptoms of measles typically include:

• 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 a sequence of stages during 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.

  Over the next few days, the rash spreads down the arms and trunk, then over the thighs, lower legs and feet. At the same time, the fever rises sharply, often as high as 104 to 105.8 F (40 to 41 C). The measles rash gradually recedes, fading first from the face and last from the thighs and feet.

• 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.

DIAGNOSIS -

H C 

Physical examination

blood examination

urine  sample

throat sample

treatment

There's no specific treatment for measles, but the condition usually improves within 7 to 10 days. A GP will probably suggest taking things easy at home until you're feeling better. Stay away from work or school for at least 4 days from when the measles rash first appears to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

antiviral medication - 

Treatment for measles

• acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce fever.
• rest to help boost your immune system.
• plenty of fluids.
• a humidifier to ease a cough and sore throat.
• vitamin A supplement
• List of antiviral drugs

  Antiviral	Use
  Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)	Influenza
  Penciclovir	Herpes
  Peramivir	Influenza
  Penciclovir	Herpes