The Inside Scoop on Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease, and it can be spread from person to person. Learn the Symptoms and Transmission of Measles. You can also find out how to prevent it. In this article, we will talk about Measles Prevention and Treatment. Keep reading!

Symptoms

Among the symptoms of measles is bruising of the skin. Affected people look gloomy and miserable. In severe cases, they can even lose their hearing. The condition is potentially fatal if left untreated, and complications may include a weakened immune system, encephalitis, and pneumonia. While the condition generally does not cause death, some people may experience serious bleeding, including a coma.

Although there is no specific treatment for measles, it is possible to prevent transmission by practicing good hand hygiene. This means not sharing items such as drinking glasses and eating utensils. You should also avoid public places, and stay at home until your symptoms subside. During the period before the rash appears, you will be contagious to nine or more people. The virus can be passed from person to person through direct contact for up to four days.

Measles outbreaks are common in the United States, with more than 150 cases reported in 2015. The measles outbreak at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, was one of the main reasons for the widespread outbreak. In January-September 2019, the U.S. reported 1,249 cases, of which 89 percent were unvaccinated. No deaths were reported. As of this writing, the CDC has not confirmed whether vaccination caused autism.

Transmission

The signs and symptoms of measles are characteristically maculopapular, appearing within three to five days of infection. The rash typically begins on the face and ears and spreads to the trunk. In addition, measles can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, thrombocytopenia, encephalitis, severe malnutrition, deafness, and intellectual disability. The condition can cause premature mortality, but supportive care can improve the patient's condition and prolong his or her life.

Measles virus is a negative-sense RNA virus that belongs to the family of Paramyxoviridae and is airborne. Viruses carry the disease and can be spread by direct contact with infected secretions. Although the virus cannot survive for long on fomites, it can be shed by coughing and sneezing. However, UV radiation and heat inactivate measles virus. The prodromal stage of the disease also contributes to measles virus transmission.

Treatment

If your child has symptoms of measles, treatment includes preventing further spread of the disease by not allowing them to come into contact with anyone else. If possible, you can keep your child out of school for at least five days after the rash has appeared. Antibiotics are not recommended for the treatment of measles, but they are needed in case of secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or skin infections from scratching the rash.

Antibiotics and nonprescription medications can relieve the symptoms of measles. If you notice your child has a fever, you can give them acetaminophen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome and should not be given to treat a viral infection. Vitamin A supplements should be given to your child in two doses, unless you suspect that they may have another underlying condition.

Prevention

Measles is a contagious disease that can cause severe complications if it is not treated promptly. There is no specific cure for measles, but supportive care can help prevent the worst effects. Supportive care is focused on proper nutrition and fluid intake. Other important public health measures to prevent the disease include hand hygiene, not sharing items, and covering sneezes and coughs with a tissue. Public health advisories are provided by Public Health Authorities.

Healthcare workers who are in contact with a measles case should be isolated in a health care setting for at least 4 days after the rash appears. It is important to identify any patients who might have the disease, and to isolate them from all others. Immediate notification is also important, especially if the case is suspected among the health care workers. Health care facilities should report suspected cases to public health authorities as soon as possible.