Measles | Rubeola Virus | Contagious Disease

 

Measles is generally a contagious disease which typically causes fever, red rashes, cough and red eyes. And it can also create more serious complications like encephalitis which eventually causes hearing loss. You can prevent this contagious disease by getting vaccination.

It is also called rubeola, it can spread easily but it can be serious and even deadly for small children.  But the death rates of this measles disease will eventually drop worldwide because more childrens got their measles vaccination, this disease still kills 200,000 people every year, especially children.

Symptoms of measles

Common symptoms of measles which includes:

• A high fever.

• Tiredness.

• A barky cough.

• Red or bloodshot eyes.

• A runny nose.

• A red rash, which generally starts at the head and it slowly spreads downward.

Some other symptoms of measles which includes:

• A sore throat.

• White spots in the mouth.

• Muscle pain.

• Sensitivity to light means bright light makes your eyes hurt.

Causes

Usually, this measles disease is caused by a severely contagious virus called morbillivirus. In short, if 10 people in a room were not vaccinated with someone infected with measles, almost 9 out of 10 people will get measles. It can spread by:

• When you cough, sneeze or talk, You can spread the disease through Contaminated droplets through the air

•  Kissing someone who is infected with measles.

• Or else sharing drinks or any food item with someone who is infected with measles.

• Shaking hands or holding hands or hugging someone who is infected with measles.

• Usually, it can spread from pregnant people to their babies either during the pregnancy, delivery or while taking care of them.

• The respiratory droplets can remain in the air in your room even after the person recovers from measles.

Usually, this disease takes 6 to 21 days to develop measles symptoms after you have been infected. This period of developing symptoms is the incubation period. You are the carrier and you are contagious almost 4 days before the rash starts and after the four days of rash start.

Diagnosis

Your healthcare professional will be able to diagnose the measles by doing a physical examination. And also they suggest some laboratory tests to find the virus through the samples of :

• Blood.

• Secretions from your nose and throat.

• Urine (pee).

Treatment

Till date, there is no treatment for measles. The virus usually runs its course, that typically takes almost 10 to 14 days.

You can do some other things which makes you feel better, like:

• You can Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for relief from aches, pains or fever.

• You can Get plenty of rest.

• Drinking a lot of fluids.

• You can gargle with salt water.

• if your eyes hurt, you can avoid harsh light

You Never give aspirin to your children or teens unless your healthcare professional specifically tells you that because of Reye’s syndrome risks.

Complications of measles

There are more complications which are associated with measles, some of the complications are very serious.

Usually, these complications occur most often in:

• Children ages between 5 years old or younger than this age.

• Pregnant people.

• Adults age 20 or older.than this age

• Especially people with weakened immune systems.

Complications of measles include:

• Diarrhea.

• Ear infections.

• Pneumonia.

• Encephalitis. - this can cause inflammation of the brain, and leads to seizures, hearing loss or learning disabilities.

• Death - Before the vaccination was widely used, about 400 to 500 people will died every year from measles.

Prevention

Two types of vaccines which protect against measles: the measles,mumps,rubella MMR vaccine and MMRV vaccines for the measles,mumps and varicella.

Other prevention methods

Not all people can get their measles vaccination. But there are some other ways which help to prevent the spread of measles.

If you are under susceptible for infection:

• You should Practice good hand hygiene. You must wash your hands before eating, and especially after using the bathroom, and also before touching your face, mouth, or nose.

• You don’t share your personal items with people who might be infected. Personal things like eating utensils, drinking glasses, and toothbrushes.

• You should avoid having direct contact with people who are sick

If you’re sick with measles:

• You must stay home after returning from work or school or other public places until you are free from measles infection. Typically, this is four days after you develop the measles rashes.

• Avoid contact with people who are at high risk of getting infection like infants too young should be vaccinated and particularly weekend immune people.

• If anyone coughs or sneezes, they should cover their nose and mouth. You must dispose of all used tissues. If you don't have tissues to sneeze, you should sneeze into your crook of elbow.

• Make sure that you must wash your hands more often and you must disinfect any surfaces or objects which you can touch frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are measles caused by?

Ans: Measles is caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family, and is normally passed through direct contact and the air. 

Q2. What is the measles virus called?

Ans: The measles virus is a single-stranded RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus and the family Paramyxoviridae.

Q3. How long does measles last?

Ans: For most people, the illness lasts around 7 to 10 days in total.

Q4. How do measles look like?

Ans: It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.

Q5. Can measles come back?

Ans: As Measles Makes a Comeback, Straight Talk From a Doctor With ...

Unfortunately, though, when people who are not immunised travel to areas that have measles, they can contract the illness and bring it back.