Measles

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by Measles Virus that replicates in the nose and throat of an infected child or adult. Then, when someone with measles coughs, sneezes or talks, infected droplets spray into the air, where other people can inhale them.

The infected droplets may also land on a surface, where they remain active and contagious for several hours. You can contract the virus by putting your fingers in your mouth or nose or rubbing your eyes after touching the infected surface.

Incubation period– 10 to 14 days

Signs and symptoms

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Coryza
  • Myalgia
  • Conjunctivitis
  • An erythematous, nonpruritic, maculopapular rash begins at the hairline and behind the ears, spreads down the trunk and limbs to include the palms and soles.
  • Koplik’s spots are pathognomonic for measles and consist of bluish-white dots 1 mm in diameter surrounded by erythema. They appear on the buccal mucosa 2 days before the rash appears and fade with the onset of rash.

Complications

  • Ear infection.
  • Bronchitis, laryngitis or croup
  • Pregnancy problems. Measles can cause preterm labor, low birth weight and maternal death.
  • Pneumonia
  • Encephalitis

Diagnosis

  • Measles RT-PCR

Prevention

Isolation of patient: Because measles is highly contagious from about four days before to four days after the rash breaks out, people with measles shouldn’t return to activities in which they interact with other people during this period.

Treatment

Homeopathy medicine

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