About Measles:
Measles, also called rubeola or red measles, is a very contagious disease that is caused by the measles virus. Anyone who has not been immunized can get measles, but children are especially at risk.
Transmission:
The infection is spread by contact with droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person. Sneezing and coughing can put contaminated droplets into the air.
Those who have had an active measles infection or who have been vaccinated against the measles have immunity to the disease.
Symptoms:
Symptoms usually begin 8 – 12 days after you are exposed to the virus. This is called the incubation period.
Symptoms may include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Cough
- Fever
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Muscle pain
- Rash
- Usually appears 3 – 5 days after the first signs of being sick
- May last 4 – 7 days
- Usually starts on the head and spreads to other areas, moving down the body
- Rash may appear as flat, discolored areas (macules) and solid, red, raised areas (papules) that later join together
- Itchy
- Redness and irritation of the eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)
Treatment:
Most people fully recover from measles within 2 to 3 weeks. But measles can sometimes cause dangerous problems, such as brain swelling (encephalitis) leading to seizures, hearing loss or even death. Since there is no cure, prevention is very important. The measles vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent measles.