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Measles
Overview:
Measles is highly contagious and is a very severe childhood disease rarely contracted by adults. Immunisation is now recommended for all children as this disease can have serious complications This is an infectious viral disease, characterised by small red dots that occur all over the body.
Signs and Symptoms:
The symptoms of measles develop in two stages.
In the first stage, your child will have cold-like symptoms such as cough, a husky voice, and a runny nose, eyes, and mouth. The child's eyes may be red and watery (conjunctivitis). High fever and sneezing may also occur.
Causes and Organs Affected:
Like many other viruses, measles is spread by droplets of saliva which are carried through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Risk Factor:
Measles is highly contagious. Any exposure to an infected person may cause the infection if you aren't immune to the disease. Measles is rare in the United States because most people are vaccinated against the infection at an early age. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the number of measles cases in the United States is increasing, especially among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Treatment:
No treatment can get rid of an established measles infection. However, nonimmunized infants may be given the measles vaccination within 72 hours of exposure to the measles virus, to provide protection against the disease. Pregnant women, infants and people with weakened immune systems who are exposed to the virus may receive an injection of proteins (antibodies) that can fight off infection, called immune serum globulin. When given within six days of exposure to the virus, these antibodies can prevent measles or make symptoms less severe.
Other Information:
Vaccination programmes against measles are now in place throughout Australia. Your healthcare professional can give you more information regarding this.
Exercise extreme caution to prevent the spread of measles to others, by keeping infected children away from others.