Measles is caused by a type of virus called Measles virus. The virus is present in the mucus, saliva, and sputum of infected patients. When a person contracts measles, there is an incubation period before symptoms appear (the prodromal stage) lasting 8-12 days, and on average, from the time of exposure until the rash appears is about 2 weeks.
Which organs does the disease spread to?
Measles causes patients to have a fever along with symptoms of respiratory infection such as runny nose, cough, red eyes, watery eyes, and red mouth. These symptoms worsen as the fever rises. There may be diarrhea. After 3 to 4 days of fever, a skin rash will begin to appear. Initially, the rash is red and starts on the face, trunk, and limbs. When the rash spreads all over the body, which takes about 2-3 days, the fever will start to subside. As recovery approaches, the rash will darken to a deep red or reddish-brown color.
How should the disease be treated and managed?
Since this disease is caused by a viral infection and symptoms are usually not severe, treatment and patient care focus on symptomatic relief similar to the common cold, such as wiping the body to reduce fever, taking antipyretics or other symptom-relieving medications like cough medicine, getting enough rest, and drinking plenty of fluids. Initial care can be provided at home. In addition to symptomatic treatment, vitamin A supplementation is currently recommended for all measles patients for 2 days. However, if symptoms do not improve, such as increased coughing, sputum turning yellow-green, or difficulty breathing, caregivers should take the patient to see a doctor for appropriate treatment.
Complications that can occur with measles
Pneumonia, diarrhea, and middle ear infections can occur, especially in children with weakened immune systems or malnutrition. These complications usually appear in the later stages of the disease when the fever begins to subside.
Measles can be prevented… by vaccination
Besides avoiding contact with infected individuals, measles can be prevented by vaccination. Currently, the vaccine is part of the Ministry of Public Health’s immunization schedule and must be given to all children. The first dose is administered at 9-12 months of age, with a booster given at 2 1/2 years old.
If abnormal symptoms are observed, such as a child having a runny nose, cough, red eyes, watery eyes, red mouth, or high fever, parents should not ignore these signs and should take their child to see a doctor as complications may develop.
