Measles used to be a common disease of childhood, along with Mumps, Rubella [German measles] and Whooping Cough. Immunization of infants in worldwide programs has largely removed the threat of all these infections nowadays, in the developed world.

Outbreaks do still occur, however, when attitudes to the vaccine either relax or meet with resistance. In countries of the developing world, many thousands of children still contract the disease and blindness is frequently the sad result.

Measles, known also as Rubeola, is extremely contagious, which means that it spreads very easily. Airborne droplets are propelled into the air by coughs and sneezes and are easily assimilated by surrounding people.

The respiratory system becomes infected and there is a period of incubation, following exposure to the disease, of between one and two weeks. Incubation starts from the moment the body receives the virus. That person can transmit the infection [i.e. is contagious] from about four or five days before symptoms appear. After the rash is seen, the patient remains contagious for about four or five days.

SYMPTOMS

- Common cold symptoms
- Loss of appetite
- Fever gradually rises, maybe up to 103 degrees F
- Sore, light-sensitive eyes
- Within three to four days, the distinctive rash appears

The measles rash is not normally itchy. The red bumps begin usually on the forehead and around the ears. Over the following few days, the rash spreads over the face and neck, gradually involving the whole of the body, down to the feet. This progress takes about three days in total. The small red spots then join together into flat patches which entirely cover the skin.

TREATMENT

Only the complications of measles can be effectively treated. Once the disease has established itself, it must run its course. No treatment exists to destroy the virus. The following advice, however, may be useful:

-The patient should be encouraged to rest
- Steps should be taken to avoid dehydration in the patient give frequent drinks
- Patient should be kept in a dimly lit room as eyes become sensitive to light
- Gently bathe any crusty areas around the eyes
No further special measures are called for and usually all symptoms disappear after a week to ten days.

Complications are possible and common ones are:
- Eye infection
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Laryngitis
- Convulsions may result from a very high, unchecked, fever

Medical attention should be sought for any unusual symptoms that appear. It is important that they are treated as soon as possible so as to avoid further complications.

Learn more about this author, Anne Penny.
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