Measles - symptom, Treatment of Measles

Measles Information

Measles is a viral disease affecting the respiratory tract.

Causes of Measles

Measles virus invades the respiratory tract and then spreads through the the bloodstream. It targets white blood cells of all sorts.

Symptoms of Measles

• High fever (103-105° degrees F), flushed face, cough and cold, red and watering eyes for 2 to 4 days.
• Bluish spots appear in the mouth, on the inside of the cheeks and lips.
• This is followed by the appearance of a rash: red, flat, not itchy: beginning over the hairline, neck, and face. It spreads to
  the trunk and limbs over the next 3 to 4 days. The palms and soles are not spared.
• Fever subsides once the rash appears.
• Rash persists for 3-4 days. It fades away in the same order as it appeared. Skin may peel off as the rash fades. The entire illness lasts about 10 days.
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Measles

Complications for Measles

• Patients are infective from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears to 4 to 5 days after the rash disappears.
• In malnourished and immuno-compromised children, measles can be a killer disease..Reappearance of fever or prolonged fever suggests developing complication. .Pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses, are common complications.
• Encephalitis, setting in immediately or several weeks late, is a dreaded complication. Since the introduction of
  immunization, this is less common.

Treatment for Measles

• Doctor should look for respiratory and other complications
• Keeping the child comfortable, and comforted, will help most of all.
• Dehydration may set in because of the high fever.
• Feeds must be coaxed in as the irritable child may refuse to
  eat or drink.
• An antibiotic may be prescribed if cough is severe and chest
  problems threaten.

Preventive Measures for Measles

• MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) vaccine provides life-long Immunity.
• The first dose is at 15 months,by intramuscular injection,with a booster at school entry.

Home  | Terms of Service  |    © http://Diseases-Condition.com  |  About Us  |  Contact us | Directory