Understanding The Causes of Measles

Whats is Measles?
Measles is a viral disease that can spread rapidly.

Also known as rubeola or morbilli, measles is an endemic disease, meaning it is continually present in a community, and many people develop resistance.

It is an unpleasant condition but one that normally passes without treatment within 7 to 10 days.

After about of measles, a person gains immunity for the rest of their life. They are very unlikely to contract measles a second time. (Source: medicalnewstoday.com )

Pic : Ilustratiom

Symptoms

The appearance of the initial symptoms of measles occurs about one to two weeks after contracting the virus. This symptom will disappear approximately two weeks later. The following are the initial symptoms that will be experienced by measles sufferers:

• Eyes red, swollen, and sensitive to light.
• Cold-like signs (such as a sore throat, dry cough, and runny nose).
• Small patches of grayish white in the mouth and throat.
• High fever.
• Limp and tired.
• Pain.
• Not excited and lose your appetite.
• Diarrhea
• Throws up.

Measles rash appears no later than four days after the first symptoms appear, and lasts about seven days. Initially, it will appear from behind the ear, then spread to the head and neck, until finally throughout the body. Spots that were small in size will grow rapidly until finally, they blend together.

You should immediately contact your doctor, clinic, or nearest hospital if you suspect your child has measles.

Treatment

The diagnosis of measles can usually be established by the doctor only by looking at the characteristics of the spots or rashes that are in the mouth and based on the explanation of the symptoms you are experiencing.

But in some cases, your doctor may advise you to do a simple blood test and check for viral culture from saliva to confirm the diagnosis. But both of these checks are rarely done unless you show less obvious symptoms.

The human immune system will naturally fight measles virus infection. There are no special medications to treat measles. The condition of the patient will usually improve without special treatment within one to two weeks.

Before the immune system fights viral infections, the body's condition will feel less comfortable due to the symptoms of measles. There are several ways that can help the body fight against measles virus, including:

• Increase Liquid Intake

Give plenty of drinking water to children to avoid dehydration. Water consumption can also relieve an itchy throat caused by coughing. Remember that when the body is in a fever, the need for fluids increases.

• Controlling Fever and Reducing Pain

Generally, for adults who experience fever and pain, consumption of paracetamol or ibuprofen can be done. You can also provide paracetamol in liquid form for your child.

• Medicines when and after measles attacks

Medications such as Vitamin A and antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor after symptoms appear. In addition, a choice of measles vaccinations is also available. For example measles prevention injections that can be given 72 hours after symptoms appear or immune globulin injections for infants or pregnant women after 6 days of exposure to the virus. Talk to your doctor to find out the right treatment for you or your child.

• Overcoming Eye Pain

Use a cotton cloth that is soaked in water to clean eye dirt during measles infection. The eyes of people with measles will become more sensitive to light. To overcome this, close the window with a curtain or replace a dimmer lamp at night.

• Treating Other Symptoms

There are likely to appear similar symptoms such as a runny nose such as a runny nose or a cough. You can consume hot drinks to relieve these symptoms. In addition, you can do steam inhalation therapy.

For young children, you can bathe with warm water. Warm drinks containing lemon juice and honey can be given to young children. Keep in mind that giving honey is not recommended for children under one year.

• Watch Out For The Emergence of Serious Diseases

Be aware of possible complications when the body is fighting this infection. Signs of a more serious condition are:

• Decreased awareness, which is marked by one of them constantly feeling sleepy.
• Symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth or reduced frequency of urination.
• A cough up blood.
• Convulsions.
• Confusion.
• Hard to breathe.
• Pain in the chest, especially when breathing.

Contact or come directly to the nearest hospital if you or family members experience the symptoms above.

Complications

Although rare, measles can cause serious complications. Infants and children with malnutrition are the groups most vulnerable to contracting measles. Besides them, people with low immunity (such as AIDS sufferers, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or people with chronic diseases) and pregnant women are also vulnerable to contracting.

Below are the complications of measles that can occur:

• Seizures due to fever.
• Eye infection.
• Middle ear infection.
• Respiratory and lung infections (eg pneumonia and bronchitis).
• Dehydration.
• Inflammation of the vocal cords.

As for the rare complications of measles are:

• Meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
• Encephalitis (brain infection).
• Squint eyes due to the effects of the virus on the nerves and muscles of the eye.
• Hepatitis or liver infection.
• Problems with the nervous and heart systems.
• Optic neuritis or eye nerve inflammation that can cause permanent blindness.
• Thrombocytopenia or decreased platelet count that functions to freeze blood.
• Pregnancy problems (such as miscarriages, premature babies, or giving birth to babies with low weight).

Children over the age of 1 year with a healthy body condition rarely experience complications.

Measles Prevention

The best way to prevent measles is by childhood immunization. There are two choices of measles vaccination. The first is a special measles vaccine that the government enters into the mandatory immunization program. This vaccine is given at the age of 9 months, 2 years and 6 years. The second type of vaccine is MMR which is a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, and German measles. This vaccine is given at the age of 12-13 months and at the age of 3-5 years.

A newborn baby will have antibodies to measles if the mother has had measles or has received measles vaccination before becoming pregnant. This antibody will provide protection for the first few months. Therefore special measles or MMR vaccines should be given when the baby is over half a year old.

Both types of measles vaccination above are not recommended for pregnant women who have not been protected from measles. But for women who want to get pregnant and have never been exposed to measles, they can be given measles vaccinations. Meet your doctor to get more complete information about measles and its effects on pregnant women.

Measles is very contagious. If you suffer from measles, avoid centers of at least four days after the appearance of measles rash for the first time. This is important to do so that there is no spread of infection to others. Avoid direct contact with people who are susceptible to infection with this virus such as toddlers, young children, and pregnant women.

Reference:

World Health Organization (2018). Fact Sheets. Measles.

NHS Choices UK (2018). Health A-Z. Measles.

NHS Choices UK (2018). Health A-Z. Vaccinations: MMR Vaccine.

Mayo Clinic (2018). Diseases and Conditions. Measles.

Harding, M. Patient (2018). Measles.

Indonesian Pediatrician Association (2011). Immunization Schedule for Children Aged 0-18 Years.

WebMD (2017). What are the measures?

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