Measles: How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent This Contagious Disease

What is measles and how does it spread?

Measles is caused by a virus that belongs to the genus Morbillivirus, which also includes other diseases such as canine distemper and rinderpest. The virus infects the respiratory tract and then spreads to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. The virus is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets, such as those produced by coughing or sneezing. The virus can also survive on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours, making it very easy to catch.

The symptoms of measles usually appear 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. They include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red eyes
• White spots inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)
• Rash that starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body

The rash typically lasts for about a week and then fades away. However, some people may experience complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, encephalitis (brain inflammation), or even death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles killed about 140,000 people worldwide in 2018, mostly children under the age of five.

How is measles diagnosed and treated?

Measles is diagnosed by a doctor based on the clinical signs and symptoms, especially the characteristic rash and Koplik’s spots. A blood test can also confirm the presence of antibodies to the measles virus. However, this test is not always available or necessary, especially in areas where measles is common.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. The main goal of treatment is to provide supportive care and prevent complications. This may include:

• Rest and fluids
• Fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Eye drops or ointments for eye infections
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections such as ear infections or pneumonia
• Vitamin A supplements to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of blindness
• Oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation for severe respiratory distress
• Anticonvulsants for seizures
• Immunoglobulin for high-risk individuals such as pregnant women, infants, or immunocompromised people

People with measles should also be isolated from others to prevent further spread of the disease. They should stay at home until four days after the rash has disappeared. They should also avoid contact with people who are not immune to measles, such as those who have not been vaccinated or have not had the disease before.

What are the possible complications and risks of measles?

Measles can cause serious and sometimes fatal complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Some of the possible complications are:

• Ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss
• Pneumonia, which can cause breathing difficulties and lung damage
• Diarrhea, which can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
• Encephalitis, which can cause brain swelling, seizures, coma, or death
• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), is a rare but fatal degenerative brain disorder that can occur years after a measles infection
• Blindness, due to corneal scarring or vitamin A deficiency
• Miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight, in pregnant women who contract measles

Measles can also increase the risk of other infections, such as tuberculosis, malaria, or HIV, by suppressing the immune system for several weeks or months after recovery. Measles can also worsen the condition of people who have chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.

How can measles be prevented and controlled?

The vaccine can also be given to adults who have not been vaccinated or have not had measles before, especially those who are at high risk of exposure, such as travelers, healthcare workers, or people living in areas with measles outbreaks. The vaccine can also be given to people who have been exposed to measles within 72 hours, as a post-exposure prophylaxis, to prevent or reduce the severity of the disease.

Another way to prevent and control measles is to achieve herd immunity. This means that a high proportion of the population is immune to measles, either by vaccination or by natural infection, so that the virus cannot spread easily. The WHO estimates that at least 95% of the population needs to be immune to measles to prevent outbreaks. Therefore, it is important to maintain high vaccination coverage and monitor the disease surveillance and response.

Measles is a serious and potentially deadly disease that can be prevented by vaccination. By getting vaccinated and following the recommended guidelines, you can protect yourself and others from this contagious disease.