18/04/2025
Measles Morbilli
Measles, also known as morbilli, rubeola, or red measles, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children but can occur in people of all ages. It is caused by the measles virus, a member of the paramyxovirus family.
Signs and Symptoms
Measles typically progresses in stages over 2 to 3 weeks:
* Incubation Period (10-14 days): No signs or symptoms are present.
* Prodromal Stage (2-3 days): This stage begins with mild to moderate fever, accompanied by:
* Cough (usually dry and persistent)
* Runny nose (coryza)
* Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis), which may be red, watery, and sensitive to light (photophobia)
* Sore throat
* Small white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek (Koplik's spots). These are a hallmark sign of measles but may not always be visible.
* Rash Stage (3-5 days after the prodrome):
* A characteristic red, blotchy rash appears, typically starting on the face (around the ears and hairline) and upper neck.
* The rash spreads downwards to the rest of the body, including the chest, back, arms, legs, and feet, over about three days.
* The spots may be flat (macules) or slightly raised (papules) and can merge together as they spread.
* The fever may spike to a high degree (104°F or higher) when the rash appears.
* The rash usually lasts for 5-6 days before fading, often in the same order it appeared. It may leave a brownish discoloration of the skin.
* Recovery Stage: The fever subsides, and the cough and rash gradually disappear over a few days to weeks.
Complications
Measles can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. These include:
* Ear infections (otitis media): One of the most common complications.
* Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs, which can be caused by the measles virus itself or a secondary bacterial infection. It is a major cause of measles-related deaths.
* Bronchitis, laryngitis, and croup: Inflammation of the airways.
* Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain, which can occur during the acute illness or even months later. It can lead to permanent brain damage, seizures, deafness, or intellectual disability.
* Diarrhea and dehydration: Can be severe and require hospitalization.
* Blindness: Due to corneal ulceration or optic neuritis.
* Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE): A very rare but fatal degenerative disease of the central nervous system that can develop years after a measles infection.
* Pregnancy complications: In pregnant women, measles can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and fetal death.
* Weakening of the immune system: Measles can cause "immune amnesia," making the body more susceptible to other infections for several months after recovery.
* Death: Although less common in developed countries with high vaccination rates, measles can be fatal, especially in malnourished children and those with compromised immunity.
Prevention
Measles is highly preventable through vaccination. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is safe and effective.
* Routine Childhood Vaccination: The recommended schedule typically involves two doses:
* The first dose is usually given between 12 and 15 months of age.
* The second dose is given between 4 and 6 years of age (before starting school).
* Catch-up Vaccination: Older children, adolescents, and adults who have not been vaccinated or have not had measles should receive the MMR vaccine.
* Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: If someone is exposed to measles and is not immune, vaccination within 72 hours of exposure can provide protection. In some cases, immune globulin (antibodies) may be given, especially to pregnant women, infants, and immunocompromised individuals.
* Isolation: Individuals with measles should be isolated from others for at least four days after the rash appears to prevent further spread.
# Tags for Facebook Post:
Here are many relevant hashtags for a Facebook post about measles:
