High fever, rashes, red, watery eyes; did all these symptoms ring a bell in your head? Yes, we are talking about measles, a highly contagious infection caused by the measles virus that results in a full-body rash. It is likely to spreads through the air from person to person and is especially dangerous for children and babies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 110,000 global deaths from measles in 2017 in children under five. Each person who comes into contact with measles can infect up to ten others. Measles vaccination resulted in a 73% reduction in measles deaths worldwide between 2000 and 2018. On March 16th, Measles Immunization Day is observed to make people aware of this fatal disease and the importance of the measles vaccine in fighting the disease.
The virus causing measles is a single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus with one serotype. It belongs to the Morbillivirus genus, part of the Paramyxoviridae family. The human body is the only natural host of the measles virus. After being infected, it can take six to 21 days to develop symptoms of measles. This is the period of incubation.
Here are the major symptoms of this contagious disease:
If you suspect you have measles or have been exposed to someone who has measles, see your doctor right away. Doctors can confirm measles by examining your skin rash and looking for symptoms of the disease. Later, they can assess you and point you in the right direction if you have an infection.
If your doctor suspects you have measles based on your history and observations, they will order a blood test to look for the measles virus.
Measles has no specific treatment. Unlike bacterial infections, virus infections are not receptive to antibiotics. Symptoms of the virus usually go away in two or three weeks.
For those who have been exposed to the measles virus, there are some treatments available. These can help prevent or lessen the severity of an infection. Drinking plenty of fluids and getting plenty of rest are the best ways to speed up your recovery and avoid complications.
If you have measles and develop a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection or pneumonia, your doctor may recommend an antibiotic to treat it.
You can try these comforting measures at home for a speedy recovery:
If you are prone to infection:
If you have measles:
It is unlikely that you will contract measles more than once. After being infected with the virus, your body develops immunity to the infection. Measles is among the most contagious viruses on the planet, and it can be fatal. On the other hand, measles and its complications are preventable through vaccination. Vaccination protects you and your family, but it also prevents the measles virus from spreading in your community and impacting those who can't be immunized.
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>> Also Read: Everything you need to know about Viral Fever
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
Published on 9 Jun 2023
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