Measles or rubella is a contagious disease that is caused by a virus. Measles is spread through contact with nose, mouth or throat droplets found in the air when an infected person coughs and sneezes. Anyone can contract measles; accept for those who have been vaccinated, or who have an active measles infection.

Measles was once very common in childhood where most people became sick from it by age 20. This was controlled with widespread vaccination over the past few decades. However there has been a rise in measles cases in cities like Dublin and Ireland that has lead to deaths, neurological complications and severe pneumonia in some cases.

It is the increase in non-vaccinated children and young adults that is linked to this increase in measles cases. This is why the Health Protection Surveillance Center has prompted parents to get MMR vaccination for their child, if they have missed it.

There are some parents who don’t get their children vaccinated for measles as they fear that the MMR vaccine, given for protection against measles, mumps and rubella, can lead to autism. However research has proven that there is no connection between the vaccine and autism.

Symptoms

The symptoms manifest itself after 8-12 days of exposure to the virus. The common symptoms are cough, fever, muscle pain, runny nose, sore throat, irritation of eyes, bloodshot eyes, rashes and light sensitivity.

The rashes generally appear within 3-5 days of falling sick, and last for 4-7 days. These rashes appear as flat, discolored areas and solid, raised areas that later join together. The rashes are generally itchy, and start at the head and spreads to the other areas, moving downwards.

Diagnosis and treatment

Measles is usually diagnosed by its symptoms. However sometimes a measles serology may be performed, and in rare cases, a viral culture. There is nothing specific for treating measles. Medicine like acetaminophen may be given for relief from symptoms, along with bed rest and humidified air.

Children, especially in less developed countries who don’t get sufficient vitamin A may require vitamin A supplements to reduce the risk of death and complications. In fact, people suffering from a vitamin A deficiency are susceptible to infections, including measles.

Complications

There are some possible complications of measles like encephalitis, pneumonia, bronchitis and ear infection, which is why you have to consult your health care provider once you or your child has measles symptoms.

Prevention

Routine immunization is the best preventive measure for measles. People who are not immunized, and who have not received full immunization are at highest risk of contracting the disease.

It is however possible to reduce the risk of developing malaria, or at least make the attack less severe by taking serum immune globulin within 6 days of exposure to the virus.