Measles, mumps, and rubella are three common childhood diseases, caused by measles virus,
mumps virus (paramyxoviruses), and rubella virus (togavirus), respectively.Once considered as unevitable as death and taxes notes the wikipedia,these are almost extinct today,thanks to the MMR vaccine.But they still affect many children and adults around the world.These are highly infectious diseases that spread from person to person by transmission of viruses through the air by the means of droplets of saliva thrown out of infected persons mouth by sneezing,or coughing.
Measles
What are measles and What causes measles:It is caused by measles virus which is a paramyxo virus.It spreads very easily,can have very serious complications.It takes 10 -12 days to disease to develop after the exposure to virus.
Symptoms of measles :They usually start with coughs,runny nose,red watery eyes and sneezing accompanied by low grade fever.Within 2or3 days white spots appear inside of the cheeks,followed by characteristic red pinpoint rash which starts on the face and spreads all over the body.It can last for about 5 to 6 days.Other symptoms include Diarrhea,Ear ache,Headaches,Vomiting ,Stiff neck arising from serious complications like ear infections,pneumonia and encephalitis.If infected during pregnancy it can cause miscarriage or still birth.
Treatment of measles:Medications are given to relieve symptoms,fever reducers and ointments to soothe the rash.For the secondary infections, antibiotics may be necessary.Staying in bed and well hydrated is important for body to recover.Vit A supplements are suggested for some patients.
Mumps
What are Mumps and What causes mumps: It is caused by mumps virus similar to measles.Symptoms typically start after 14-16 days after the initial exposure.It can affect many body systems but mainly affects the respiratory system.
Symptoms of Mumps: They are usually mild.Swollen cheeks is a characteristic symptom of mumps giving a appearance of a chipmunk to the affected person,hence the name.It usually lasts for 7 days.Flu like symptoms,Fever,Headache,Loss of appetite and tiredness can be present.It can lead to more serious infections like ear infection,meningitis and orchitis or infection of testicles some times leaving the affected males infertile and may lead to acquired deafness.If infected during pregnancy it can cause congenital abnormalities and even death of the unborn fetus.
Treatment of Mumps: Symptomatic relief can be provided with antiinflamamtory drugs and fever reducers to relieve swelling, pain and fever.Antibiotics are used to treat complications.
Rubella
What is rubella and What causes rubella: It is also known as German Measles. It is caused by rubella virus.It takes about 14-20 days for the symptoms to develop after the exposure to the virus.It is a mild disease.
Symptoms of Rubella: Some common ones are red rash on face and swelling of salivary,lymph glands below ear,Low grade fever,sore throat,body ache, and swelling of small joints like hand and feet are seen.It usually lasts for 4 to 7 days.
If infected during first trimester of pregnancy there is 85% chance that the unborn child will suffer permanent damage,like heart defects,mental retardation,or Blindness.
Treatment of Rubella: Symptomatic treatment like fever reducers,anti inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are used to relieve joint pain or fever if they are present.Usually patients recover quickly with plenty of rest and home care.
MMR Vaccine:
Though fairly common few decades ago, wide spread use of"MMR vaccine" from 70's has almost eliminated these diseases from developed countries.This vaccine is a combination of attenuated viruses,injected in the body to induce immunity against them.In last few years ,some concerns were raised about the onset of autism symptoms after the shots, was triggered by MMR vaccine.There are many researches conducted to study the possibility but so far there is no scientific evidence found linking MMR vaccine to Autism.In the rare event that anyone develops a serious reaction to the vaccine, a federal program has
been created to help those who have been harmed.
For details about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program visit the program's website athttp://www.hrsa.gov/bhpr/vicp