Measles: An Overview
The disease known as measles (scientific term: Measles) is a highly contagious viral illness caused by a virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family. Infection occurs through direct contact with an infected individual or by inhalation of droplets containing the virus, which primarily targets the respiratory system before disseminating throughout the body. Notably, prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, the estimated annual death toll from this disease was approximately 2.6 million. Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, there were an estimated 110,000 measles-related deaths in 2017, with the majority of cases occurring in children under the age of five.
Symptoms of Measles
Symptoms of measles typically appear around 9 to 11 days after exposure to the virus. The onset of the disease is often characterized by fever, accompanied by at least one of the following three symptoms: conjunctivitis, cough, and nasal inflammation or runny nose. A notable sign of measles is the brownish-red rash that usually develops 3 to 4 days after the initial symptoms appear, often starting behind the ears and progressively spreading to the rest of the body. It’s important to note that fever can reach severe levels, up to 40.6 degrees Celsius in some cases, and may persist for several days, fluctuating in response to the appearance of the rash. Other associated symptoms may include:
- Watery eyes.
- Light sensitivity.
- Generalized body aches.
- Frequent sneezing.
- Koplik’s spots: Small, grayish-white lesions found inside the mouth, particularly on the inner cheeks and throat.
Complications of Measles
Measles can lead to several serious health complications, including:
- Pneumonia: This is one of the most common complications associated with measles, and severe pneumonia can occur, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Ear infections: Bacterial ear infections are a prevalent complication among measles patients.
- Encephalitis: Approximately 1 in every 1,000 measles cases may develop encephalitis, which can arise shortly after measles infection or several months later.
- Respiratory complications: Measles may lead to conditions such as laryngitis, bronchitis, or croup.
- Pregnancy complications: Pregnant women with measles are at risk for various issues, including low birth weight, premature birth, and maternal mortality.
Treatment of Measles
Medications
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, as symptoms generally resolve spontaneously within 7 to 10 days. However, certain medications can be utilized for symptom management:
- Measles Vaccine: Individuals who have not received the measles vaccine or infants who have been exposed to the virus can receive the vaccine within 72 hours to reduce the risk of disease development. If symptoms do occur post-vaccination, they are often mild and short-lived.
- Immunoglobulin: This treatment may be administered to individuals with compromised immune systems, infants, or pregnant women within six days of exposure to mitigate symptoms and prevent their onset.
- Antipyretics: Medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol may be used to lower fever and alleviate discomfort. It’s crucial to follow appropriate dosing guidelines, especially avoiding aspirin in children under 16 years of age.
- Vitamin A: Taking Vitamin A supplements may decrease the severity of measles in individuals who are deficient in this nutrient, particularly in children under two years old. Consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before starting any supplements.
- Antibiotics: While antibiotics do not treat the measles virus itself, they may be prescribed if bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or ear infections, manifest as complications.
Home Remedies
There are several home remedies that can help ease symptoms associated with measles, which include:
- Using a humidifier to alleviate cough.
- Drinking warm water with a teaspoon of lemon juice and two tablespoons of honey for cough relief.
- Avoiding smoking in proximity to the infected person.
- Wearing sunglasses to minimize light sensitivity.
- Ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
- Keeping the infected individual away from school or work to reduce the risk of transmission.