Measles Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Measles Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Measles is an infection caused by a virus. Symptoms of measles are red rashes all over the body accompanied by fever, cough, and runny nose.

Understanding

Measles is an infection caused by a virus. Symptoms of measles are red rashes all over the body accompanied by fever, cough, and runny nose.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that measles is one of the main causes of child death in the world, even though a safe and affordable measles vaccine is available. This is especially the case in developing countries.

However, the use of the measles vaccine resulted in a 79% reduction in deaths from measles from 2000 to 2014 worldwide.

Reason

Measles is caused by a paramyxovirus-type virus that is transmitted through the respiratory tract. Measles is a highly contagious disease. It is even said that 90% of patients who have not received measles vaccination can be infected if they are in close proximity to an infected person.

Measles can also be transmitted if someone inhales or has direct contact with virus-infected fluids, such as droplets that are spread in the air when a person with measles coughs or sneezes.

Symptom

Measles has a fairly typical clinical picture. The first symptoms that generally arise in measles include:

  • High fever, which generally occurs about 10-12 days after a person is exposed to the measles virus.
  • Respiratory tract complaints, such as coughing and runny nose.
  • Red and watery eyes.
  • White patches in the oral cavity.
  • The reddish rash which is quite characteristic of measles can appear about 3-5 days after other symptoms. Usually starts from the face and upper neck. In a period of several days after that, a reddish rash also appears on other body parts – such as the trunk, back, hands, and feet. This rash generally lasts for a few days, then starts to disappear in the order it appears.
  • Sometimes, a red rash can be accompanied by itching.

In general, the symptoms experienced by measles sufferers can last for 4-7 days, before finally subsiding.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of measles can be determined based on the clinical picture, namely the signs and symptoms experienced by the patient. However, in certain cases, the doctor may ask for supporting examinations such as a complete blood count.

Tests for antibodies to measles and liver function can also be done, although rarely.

Examination using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) can determine the diagnosis with certainty. However, in the majority of cases this is not necessary, as the signs and symptoms of measles are generally characteristic enough to make a diagnosis.

Treatment

Uncomplicated measles patients can do outpatient treatment. Meanwhile, hospitalization is needed if the patient has complications, such as dehydration, respiratory infections, difficulty getting food, and so on.

Treatment of measles given by doctors is generally supportive, such as:

  • Infusion can be considered if it is assessed that there is severe dehydration, there is difficulty getting food, or persistent high fever which can lead to dehydration.
  • Administration of drugs according to symptoms. For example antipyretic drugs for fever complaints, cough suppressants for cough complaints, cold relievers for colds and nasal congestion, and anti-nausea drugs for nausea.
  • Provision of vitamin A supplementation, especially in patients with vitamin A deficiency.

Prevention

Vaccines or immunizations done early or when someone is still a child is the best way to prevent measles. MMR is a type of vaccine that can protect a person from measles, mumps, and rubella or German measles. This vaccine is also a type of immunization required by the government.

This disease is easily transmitted. Therefore, avoid direct contact with people who are susceptible to infection with this virus – such as young children and pregnant women.

In addition, always keep the environment and yourself clean. Wash your hands properly, namely under running water and using soap so that germs, bacteria and viruses don’t have time to multiply in your body.

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