Measles

Introduction

Viruses are tiny unicellular organisms and they have DNA or RNA as genetic material. They cannot independently survive and they reproduce only by binding themselves to the cells. The proliferation of harmful viruses in the body is a viral infection. The symptoms of the viral illness are caused due to damage in the tissue of the host and their related immune response. Viral skin infections exhibit skin rashes or bumps. Measles is a dangerous and fatal viral illness, however, the death rate of this infection has fallen universally because children have undergone the measles vaccine. The reports of the World Health Organization declare measles as a widespread infection and about 20 million children are getting affected by this illness every year.

What is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious airborne infection that affects the respiratory system. It usually affects children, however, it affects adults. It is characterized by developing rashes all over the body caused by viruses. Therefore, it is a serious condition for children, however, it can be prevented by using vaccines.

Signs and Symptoms

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The symptoms may develop from 7 to 14 days after the infection. The child becomes sick and develops inflammation in the eyes, severe rashes, and a high fever that extends up to 40 °C during the peak of illness. However, the symptoms begin to reduce and the child feels better after 5 days. The common symptoms of measles are as follows −

• Runny nose

• High fever

• Cough

• Rashes

• Body aches

• Reddish watery eyes

• Tiredness

• Sensitivity to light

• Sore throat

• White spots in the mouth

• Vomiting

• Muscle pain.

Causes

• Measles is caused by a contagious virus known as Morbillivirus..

• The virus lives in the mucus of the nose and throat of an infected person and it easily spreads through coughing, breathing, and sneezing.

• It is active and contagious for a long time and the infected droplets spreads into the air or surface when the infected person cough, sneeze and talk.

• The virus multiplies immediately in various parts of the body including the throat, lungs, urinary tract, lymphatic system, blood vessels, eyes, and central nervous system when it penetrates the body.

Diagnosis

Measles is initially diagnosed by examining the symptoms including rashes, fever, sore throat, and coughs. Measles RNA and measles-specific IgM antibodies in serum can be detected by a polymerase chain reaction in respiratory samples. It is an ideal method for diagnosing measles. Therefore, blood and throat samples from patients are taken to identify the presence of the measles virus.

Complication of Measles

Pneumonia

It is a type of intense respiratory infection that damages the lungs. Measles can cause acute pneumonia in people who have low immunity.

Diarrhea

Dehydration is the most common complication of measles.

Inner Ear Inflammation or Infection

Children with measles are commonly affected by this condition.

Seizures

An uncontrolled electrical imbalance occurs in the brain when a person is affected by measles.

Encephalitis

It is autoimmune inflammation or infection of the brain that affects children during or after the infection of the measles virus.

Bronchitis

It is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes.

Conjunctivitis

The conjunctiva covers the white part of the eyeball and lines the eyelid. Measles can cause complications of conjunctivitis.

Pregnancy Problems

Pregnant women with measles give premature birth or deliver the baby at low weight if they are not vaccinated.

Laryngitis

Croup is a condition of the swollen larynx and it is a usual complication of measles.

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

It is a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system of children and adults. However, it is a very rare complication of measles.

Hospitalization

People can experience drastic symptoms when they are not vaccinated, therefore, they need hospitalization.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment to destroy the measles virus. The symptoms can usually disappear within 10 days. However, some supportive care is important to ease the symptoms of measles to prevent the serious effect till the immune system of the body clears the infection. Ibuprofen or paracetamol or acetaminophen have been taken to reduce the fever. Drinking of excessive water and fluids can avoid dehydration. A humidifier is used to ease sore throat and cough. Darkness in the room should be maintained to reduce the sensitivity to light.

Conclusion

Viral infections damages the tissues and effects the immune response of the host. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that usually affects children, however, it can affect adults. The most common symptoms of measles are skin rashes, runny nose, conjunctivitis, fever, dry cough, and sore throat. This illness can easily spread through breathing, coughing, and sneezing of an infected person and it is due to the virus droplets spraying onto the air and on the surfaces. There are various complications of measles including pneumonia, diarrhea, encephalitis, seizures, bronchitis, and laryngitis. The infection is diagnosed by collecting the blood sample and throat swab for laboratory tests. The polymerase chain reaction is the general method used to identify the presence of the measles virus. There is no accurate treatment for this infection and vaccines can help to prevent measles.

FAQs

Q1. How long do measles take to show signs and symptoms after being exposed?

Ans. Measles takes an average of 7 to 12 days from exposure to early symptoms, which is commonly fever. The skin rashes usually do not develop at the initial stage and it develops around 14 days after the exposure and 2-4 days after the fever.

Q2. What are the possible complications of measles?

Ans. Diarrhea occurs in 8% of cases, therefore it is one of the most usual complications of measles and it predominantly affects children. Pneumonia, ear infections, acute encephalitis, brain infections, and seizures are also serious complications. Measles is extremely severe for a person who has a weak immune system.

Q3. How does measles affect pregnancy?

Ans. Measles can occur during pregnancy and it increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight in infants. However, measles is not associated with birth defects in children.

Q4. What are viral infections?

Ans. The multiplication of harmful viruses in the body is a viral infection. It is developed due to a weak immune system. It can spread through the air by infectious droplets and it may or may not be contagious. It lasts only a week or two weeks. Measles is one of the most viral contagious infections.