Detailed Information on Measles

Measles, also called rubeola, is a highly contagious. Measles is a fatal disease that impacts vulnerable children around the world. Measles is a contagious illness caused by a virus (paramyxovirus). Measles virus normally grows in the cells that line the back of the throat and in the cells that line the lungs. It is a human disease not known to occur in animals. Measles is an acute, highly communicable rash illness due to a virus transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or, less commonly, by airborne spread. The incubation period of measles from exposure to rash onset is generally 14 days.

Measles is spread through breathing (contact with flowing from an infected person's nose and mouth, either openly or through aerosol transmission), and is extremely contagious 90% of people without immunity sharing a home with an contaminated person will catch it. There are two types of measles, each caused by a different virus. Although both produce a rash and fever. The rubeola virus causes red measles. Although most people recover without problems, rubeola can lead to pneumonia or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). The rubella virus causes German measles. This is usually a milder disease than red measles.

However, this virus can reason significant birth defects if an infected pregnant woman passes the virus to her unborn child. Symptoms of the measles appear 9 to 11 days after the infection begins, and last up to 14 days. The condition is most infectious after the first symptoms have appeared, and before the rash has developed. Other symptoms of measles include a fever for at least three days, the three Cs cough, coryza (runny nose) and conjunctivitis (red eyes). There is no treatment for measles, but the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent it. Symptoms may be alleviating with bed rest, acetaminophen and humidified air.

Several children may require supplementation with vitamin A. Vitamin A decrease the risk of death and complications in children in less developed countries. People who are lacking in vitamin A are more possible to get infections, including measles. Ribavirin, an anti-viral medicine, may be helpful in severe cases or when a child's immune system is weakened. However, this medicine has not been fully evaluated and is not FDA-approved for this use. Prevention is better than cure. Use a cool-mist vaporizer to relieve cough and to soothe breathing passages. Avoid hot-water or steam vaporizers that can cause accidental burns and scalds in children.