Measles: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention of Measles

Measles is a viral infection characterized by the appearance of a rash throughout the body. Measles transmission occurs through contact with infected mucus or through saliva . Another name for this disease is morbili measles rubeola.

Transmission of measles starting from coughing or sneezing from an infected person can make the virus fly in the air. Viruses can live on the surface for several hours. In fact, if you drink from a glass or share food equipment with an infected person you can get measles.

As is known, this disease is the leading cause of death in children in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) said that this disease is one of the main causes of the death of children in the world. This case often occurs especially in developing countries.

If you have never received a vaccine and there is a history of contact with an infected person, visit a doctor to receive the vaccine within 72 hours of contact with the infected person.

Causes of measles

Measles is a disease caused by a type of paramyxovirus virus that spreads through the respiratory tract. Measles transmission is very easy. It is even said that 90% of patients who have not been vaccinated for this disease can contract it if they are close to the infected person.

Meanwhile, vitamin A deficiency is also a risk factor for the emergence of this disease. Children who are taking too little vitamin A have a higher risk of contracting this Rubeola virus.

This disease is different from rubella or German measles. Immunity is obtained after vaccination, active infection and passive immunity in a baby born to a mother who has been immune (lasts for 1 year). People who are susceptible to this disease are: - babies over the age of 1 year - infants who do not get immunizations - teenagers and young adults who have not received a second immunization.

Symptoms of measles

Symptoms generally appear within 14 days of exposure to the virus . This disease has a fairly typical clinical picture.

The first symptoms that generally arise include:

Reddish and runny eyes

Cough

High fever

Red eye

Sensitive to light

Muscleache

Sore throat

White spots in the mouth

In addition, a broad skin rash is a common sign of measles symptoms. This rash can last up to seven days and generally appears in 3 - 5 days after exposure to the virus.

Measles rash symptoms usually develop in the head and slowly spread to all parts of the body. Signs of rash symptoms of measles include red, itchy, and bumps.

The doctor can confirm the patient's condition by examining the skin rash and examining the symptoms that are characteristic of this disease, such as white spots in the mouth (Koplik Spot), fever, coughing, and sore throat. If you cannot confirm a diagnosis based on a physical examination, the doctor usually recommends doing a blood test to check for the presence of viruses in the body.

Complications of Measles

Because this disease can cause complications, giving a vaccine is important. Complications that can occur are pneumonia and encephalitis. Other related complications can include:

Ear infections

Bronchitis

Miscarriage or preterm labor

Decreased blood platelets

Blindness

Severe diarrhea

Meanwhile, the group of people at risk for complications is:

Infants under one year old

Children with poor health conditions

People with chronic diseases

People with weak immune systems

Measles treatment

There is no specific cure for this disease. Usually medicines are only given to treat fever and muscle aches that accompany infection from the measles virus. Viruses and symptoms usually disappear in 2 - 3 weeks. However, doctors can recommend:

Pain and antidemam drugs to relieve fever and muscle aches

Immune-enhancing drugs to help boost the immune system

Intake of fluids (6â € “8 glasses of water a day)

Humidifier to relieve coughs and sore throats

Vitamin A supplements

Measles prevention

Prevention of measles is carried out using immunization. The MMR vaccine is a triple-vaccination in one that can protect you and your children from measles, mumps and rubella. Children can receive the first MMR vaccination at 12 months of age (or faster if there are international travel plans), and the second dose between the ages of 4 - 6 years. Adults who have never received immunization can request a vaccine from a doctor as one way to prevent measles.

If you or your family member is affected by this virus, limit interactions with other people and avoid social activities that make measles patients have tiring and exhausting activities.

Suggest adequate rest, eat healthy food, and consult a doctor so that the body's condition improves soon. To note, you cannot get measles more than once because after you get measles, the immune system in the body will be better at dealing with this virus.

Measles: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention of Measles