Measles, mumps and rubella(German measles)are viral illnesses that were once considered a normal part of growing up. The viruses produce lifetime immunity, but complications can be serious; and so now children are routinely vaccinated against them. The vaccines for these illness are often administered together, and are referred to as the MMR vaccine or MMR.
* What are measles?
Measles(rubeola) is a highly contagious viral infection seen mostly in children. It can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, eye problems, heart and nervous system problems, and even death.
* What causes measles?
Measles is caused by the rubeola virus and is spread primarily through the air from mucous secretions. It is contagious from four days after exposure until about four days after the appearance of the rash. Anybody without immunity from prior infection or vaccination is vulnerable.
* What are measles symptoms?
The symptoms of measles are fever, irritated eyes, photophobia, and upper respiratory symptoms. A blotchy red or brownish rash appears two to four days later, on the head, then migrating down over the body, lasting about three days. Grayish spots (Koplik's spots) appear in the mouth several days before the rash.
* Measles treatment:
Measles has no cure and must run its course. Rest, fluids, and fever reducers (but NEVER aspirin, due to the risk of Reye's syndrome) can provide comfort. The rash can be helped with antihistamines and calamine lotion.
* Rubella, or German measles:
Rubella, despite it's common name, German measles, is a separate illness from measles (rubeola), caused by a different virus. Rubella poses special risk to pregnant women and their unborn children since the virus can infect the baby before it is born. Severe birth defects can occur in congenitally infected infants, including deafness, mental and physical retardation, and organ malformations.
* What causes rubella?
The rubella virus is spread from person to person through airborne mucous excretions. It is contagious as soon as a week before symptoms appear, and up to a week after the appearance of the characteristic rash.
* Rubella symptoms:
Symptoms appear two to three weeks after exposure, and begin with one or two days of mild fever and swollen lymph nodes, followed by the appearance of a patchy, light red rash on the back of the neck and behind the ears.
* Rubella treatment:
There is no cure for rubella. Ameliorative treatment is similar to treatment for measles.
* Mumps:
Mumps is a viral illness usually occurring during childhood, that causes painful swelling of the salivary glands as well as other general symptoms.
* What causes mumps?
Mumps is caused by the paramyxovirus. It is spread through the saliva, and also through oral and nasal mucous excretions. Mumps is contagious for about two weeks, beginning three days prior to the onset of symptoms.
* Mumps symptoms include:
Fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite, followed by painful swelling of the salivary glands (enlarged cheeks).
Symptoms usually last ten to twelve days. As many as one third of infected individuals have no symptoms, but are still contagious. Possible complications include encephalitis and meningitis; and in adults an inflammation of the testicles (males), or ovaries (females).
* Mumps treatment:
Mumps is a viral illness, and it must complete its cycle. Fever reducing medications (NOT including aspirin) and application of heat or cold to the cheek area can relieve discomfort.
* The MMR vaccine:
Complications from mumps, measles and rubella are potentially life threatening and are not uncommon. The use of the MMR vaccination has been invaluable in reducing mortality as a result of these illnesses.
* Is MMR safe?
Parents may be aware of public concern about the safety of the MMR vaccine with regard to the occurrence of Autism. However, though some experts like to point out a correlation between the usual age for MMR vaccination and the age at which autism is often diagnosed, many other experts correctly note that NO definitive link has been found between the MMR vaccine and Autism. Research and debate over this issue will continue, but the benefits of vaccination are irrefutable. The MMR vaccine is considered generally safe.
Some parents think that since measles, mumps and rubella are not nearly as common as they used to be, they may safely skip immunizing their child, but this is a risky notion. Complications of measles, mumps and rubella may serious or even fatal, and these viruses are still among us. Also, achieving immunity in a large percentage of the population is vital to preventing the spread of disease.