Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children but can also impact adults who are unvaccinated. Caused by the measles virus (Morbillivirus), it spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles is preventable through vaccination, yet outbreaks continue to occur worldwide due to low immunization rates in some areas. While measles can be mild in some cases, it can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death.
What Are the Symptoms of Measles?
Measles symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after exposure to the virus. The infection progresses in different stages:
1. Early Symptoms (Prodromal Stage)
- High fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)
- Persistent cough
- Runny nose (rhinorrhea)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Sensitivity to light
2. Koplik’s Spots (Early Indicator)
- Small white spots with a red halo appear inside the mouth, usually on the inner cheeks.
- These spots develop 1-2 days before the rash and are a key diagnostic sign of measles.
3. Measles Rash (Exanthem Stage)
- A red, blotchy rash starts on the face and behind the ears, then spreads to the neck, trunk, arms, and legs.
- The rash appears 3-5 days after symptoms begin and lasts about a week.
- As the rash fades, it may cause peeling or darkening of the skin.
4. Recovery Phase
- Fever subsides, but cough and fatigue may persist for weeks.
- The immune system remains weakened for months, increasing susceptibility to other infections.
How Is Measles Transmitted?
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, with a 90% transmission rate among unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus. It spreads through:
- Airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing.
- Direct contact with nasal or throat secretions.
- Touching contaminated surfaces, as the virus can survive for up to two hours in the air and on objects.
Infected individuals can spread the virus 4 days before and 4 days after the rash appears, making early detection and isolation critical.
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Unvaccinated children and adults.
- Infants under 12 months (too young for vaccination).
- Pregnant women, as measles increases the risk of preterm birth or miscarriage.
- Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., cancer patients, those with HIV/AIDS).
Treatment for Measles
There is no specific antiviral medication for measles, but supportive care can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
1. Rest and Hydration
- Drink plenty of fluids (water, soup, or electrolyte solutions) to prevent dehydration.
- Get plenty of rest to allow the immune system to fight the infection.
2. Fever and Pain Management
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can reduce fever and relieve body aches.
- Avoid aspirin in children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
3. Vitamin A Supplementation
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends high doses of vitamin A to reduce the severity of measles and prevent complications.
- Dosage: 200,000 IU for children over 12 months (lower doses for younger infants).
4. Preventing Secondary Infections
- If bacterial infections (like pneumonia or ear infections) develop, antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Eye infections and blindness due to measles-related vitamin A deficiency can be prevented with supplementation.
5. Isolation and Infection Control
- Infected individuals should stay home for at least 4 days after the rash appears to avoid spreading the virus.
- Rooms should be well-ventilated, and contact with unvaccinated individuals should be minimized.
How to Prevent Measles?
1. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine provides lifelong immunity and is given in two doses:
- First dose: At 12-15 months of age.
- Second dose: At 4-6 years of age.
For adults who were never vaccinated, a catch-up dose is recommended.
2. Herd Immunity
- A 95% vaccination rate within a population helps prevent outbreaks.
- Those who cannot be vaccinated (infants, immunocompromised individuals) rely on herd immunity for protection.
3. Travel Precautions
- Travelers to high-risk areas should ensure they are fully vaccinated before departure.
- Unvaccinated individuals are at higher risk of contracting measles in places where vaccination rates are low.
Complications of Measles
While most people recover fully, some may develop serious complications, including:
- Pneumonia – The most common cause of measles-related deaths.
- Encephalitis – Brain inflammation that can cause seizures, brain damage, or death.
- Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) – A rare, fatal brain disorder that develops years after measles infection.
- Hearing loss and vision impairment – Resulting from severe infections.
Measles is Preventable but Still a Global Concern
Measles remains a serious health threat, but it is completely preventable with vaccination and public health efforts. Understanding its symptoms, transmission, and treatment is essential for early detection and recovery. While no antiviral cure exists, supportive care and vitamin A supplementation can help manage the infection.
The best way to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated, stay informed, and prevent outbreaks through high immunization coverage. By prioritizing public health measures, we can eliminate measles and its dangerous complications worldwide.