“Measles” is one of the disease names we may be very familiar with, but most people usually understand that it only occurs in children. However, adults can also get measles, especially adults who have never been vaccinated before. Currently, the incidence of measles is under global surveillance according to the World Health Organization’s warning announcement because it can spread rapidly. Moreover, complications from measles can be dangerous and even lead to death. Therefore, understanding measles and knowing how to protect yourself from this disease is important for every adult not to overlook.
Why do we get measles?
Measles is a contagious disease caused by the measles virus. It is considered a disease with distinct and easily observable symptoms, which include reddish-brown rashes appearing on the body. Although it can resolve on its own within about 1-2 weeks, some patients may experience severe complications that can be life-threatening. Measles occurs frequently throughout the year but tends to have outbreaks during the summer. The disease spreads very easily from person to person through breathing and contact. The measles virus spreads through droplets from coughing and sneezing of infected patients that disperse in the air. If others in the same area who have not been vaccinated inhale or come into contact with the virus and then rub their eyes, pick their nose, or eat food, they have a chance of contracting measles.
How to recognize symptoms to be sure it is measles?
Initially, measles symptoms resemble a common cold, including nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, and high fever. Infected individuals may feel fatigued, tired, achy, and lose appetite. However, the key symptoms that can lead us to suspect measles are:
- White-gray spots inside the cheeks
- Reddish-brown rash appearing on the body, starting from the head and neck and spreading down the body
- Some patients may experience itching from the rash
Dangerous complications that may occur with measles
Statistics show that among every 1,000 measles patients, one unfortunate patient develops complications severe enough to cause death. Although the number seems small, it highlights the seriousness of measles that we should pay attention to and prioritize prevention and treatment. Complications in measles patients may include abnormalities in the respiratory system such as bronchitis and pneumonia, as well as neurological complications like encephalitis. Although rare, these complications are very dangerous.
How to treat measles after diagnosis?
When a doctor diagnoses measles based on symptoms, including the characteristic rash and especially the white spots inside the cheeks, and confirms the diagnosis through laboratory tests, treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Currently, there is no direct cure. For example, if the patient has a fever, antipyretics and pain relievers are given along with plenty of rest and fluids. The patient should be isolated from others to prevent spreading the virus and monitored for any complications until the disease resolves on its own, which usually takes about 7-10 days.
How to prevent measles?
Although measles can resolve on its own, the best way is to protect yourself from the disease in the first place. This not only benefits yourself but also others because if you do not get sick, you will not become a carrier spreading the virus to others and the community. Prevention can be done by receiving the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine), which protects against measles, German measles, and mumps. According to standards, the first dose is given at 9-12 months of age, the second dose at 2 and a half years old, and currently, to improve disease control, WHO recommends a booster every 10 years to prevent spreading the virus to those without immunity.
Dr. Supitcha Ongkittikul
Internal Medicine Physician, Infectious Diseases Subspecialist
Infectious Diseases Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital
