Measles

Diseases Transmitted Through Air

Measles

Definition

Measles is an acute highly infectious disease of childhood caused by a specific virus of the group Myxo viruses.

Causative organism

RNA Para Myxo viruses

Mode of transmission - Droplet infection

Incubation period - 10 days from exposure to onset of fever and 14 days to appearance of rash. Average 7 days.

Clinical manifestations

There are three stages

1. Prodromal stage:

·  Fever

·  Coryza

·  Sneezing

·  Nasal discharge

·  Cough

·  Redness of Eyes

·  Lacrimation

·  Photophobia

·  Vomiting

·  Diarrhea

·  Koplik”S Spots on A Red Base

2. Eruptive phase:

·  Duskyred

·  Macular

·  Maculo-papular rash

·  Rashes become confluent,blotchy

3. Post-measles stage:

·  Weight loss

·  Weakness

·  Growth retardation

·  Reactivation of Pulmonary tuberculosis

·  Nutritional and metabolic effects

Complications

·  Measles – associated diarrhea,

·  Pneumonia

·  Otitis media.

·  Febrile convulsions,

·  Encephalitis

·  Pan-encephalitis.

Control measures

·  Isolation for 7 days after the onset of rash.

· Immunization of contacts within 2 days of exposure. (if vaccine is contra indicated immunoglobulin should be given within 3 – 4 days of exposure)

·  Prompt immunization at the beginning of an endemic is essential to limit the spread.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for measles, but the condition usually improves within 7 to 10 days. Following measures are important to control infection.

·  Controlling fever and relieving pain

·  Plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration

·  Treating cold like symptoms

·  Care of the sore eyes - cleaning the crusts with wet cotton swabs.

Measles vaccine: Measles is best prevented by active immunization. The vaccine is presented as a freeze dried product. It is most important to store the vaccine at 2 – 8 degree celsius.

The most effective month of immunization by World Health Organization is at 9 months of age.