Measles symptoms ,sign and treatement

Measles is a very contagious (easily spread) illness caused by a virus.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The infection is spread by contact with droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person. Sneezing and coughing can put contaminated droplets into the air.

Those who have had an active measles infection or who have been vaccinated against the measles have immunity to the disease. Before widespread vaccination, measles was so common during childhood that most people became sick with the disease by age 20. The number of measles cases dropped over the last several decades to almost none in the U.S. and Canada. However, rates have started to rise again recently.

Some parents do not let their children get vaccinated because of unfounded fears that the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, can cause autism. Large studies of thousands of children have found no connection between this vaccine and autism. Not vaccinating children can lead to outbreaks of a measles, mumps, and rubella -- all of which are potentially serious diseases of childhood.

Symptoms

1.Symptoms usually begin 8 - 12 days after you are exposed to the virus. This is called the incubation period.

2,Symptoms of prodormal phase may include (3cs)

• conjuctivitis
  
  
  
  
  
• Cough
• Fever
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Muscle pain
• 3.  Rash(Maculopapular rash)
  • Usually appears 3 - 5 days after the first signs of being sick
  • May last 4 - 7 days
  • Usually starts on the head and spreads to other areas, moving down the body
  • Rash may appear as flat, discolored areas (macules) and solid, red, raised areas (papules) that later join together
  • Itchy
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
  
  
  
                                                  Measles Facial Look
  
  
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik's spots)...present in prodormal period
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 Tests   

• Measles serology
• Viral culture (rarely done)

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for the measles.

The following may relieve symptoms:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Bed rest
• Humidified air

Some children may need vitamin A supplements. Vitamin A reduces the risk of death and complications in children in less developed countries, where children may not be getting enough vitamin A. People who don't get enough vitamin A are more likely to get infections, including measles. 

1lac unit for child below 1 year And 2 lac unit above 1 year child

Complications

Complications of measles infection may include:

• Bronchitis
• Encephalitis (about 1 out of 1,000 measles cases)
• Ear infection (otitis media)
• Pneumonia

Prevention

Routine immunization is highly effective for preventing measles i.e Measles Vaccine(or MMR) At 9 month By SC injection because before 9 month maternal antibodies Prevent Against Infection .People who are not immunized, or who have not received the full immunization are at high risk for catching the disease.

Taking serum immune globulin 6 days after being exposed to the virus can reduce the risk of developing measles, or can make the disease less severe.and vaccine is given 6 week after immunolobulin.

Key words:

measles , measles rash,Maculopapular rash, kopliks spot, conjunctivitis,immunization, serum imuno globulin ,complications,encephalitis,pneuminia,