Measles ( Rubeola )

Measles ( Rubeola )

Measles (Rubeola) has increased its epidemic potential with the development of large city schools. Measles occurs naturally only in human beings.Usually after exposure, a child develops his first symptoms in 9-11 days.Measles is caused by the measles virus, a single-stranded, negative-sense enveloped RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus within the family Paramyxoviridae. Humans are the natural hosts of the virus; no animal reservoirs are known to exist. This highly contagious virus is spread by coughing and sneezing via close personal contact or direct contact with secretions.

Malaise, high fever, and irritability are associated with inflammation of the eyes, tearing, a hacking cough, and nasal discharge. One to eight days later a rash develops, with small spots on the mucous membrane of the mouth and a red rash, at times slightly elevated, breaking out over the forehead, spreading downward over the face, neck, and trunk. Each spot (lesion) persists for about three days and disappears in the same order; total duration of the rash is about six days. Rarely complications of fluid retention or pneumonia develop; but most measles cases are self-limited, with a complete recovery conferring lifetime immunity. A vaccine is available to protect very young children, patients with tuberculosis, and others whose immune mechanisms are likely to be impaired.
There is no specific treatment for measles. Most patients with uncomplicated measles will recover with rest and supportive treatment. It is, however, important to seek medical advice if the patient becomes more unwell, as they may be developing complications.

There is no specific treatment for measles. Most patients with uncomplicated measles will recover with rest and supportive treatment. It is, however, important to seek medical advice if the patient becomes more unwell, as they may be developing complications.

Some patients will develop pneumonia as a sequel to the measles. Other complications include ear infections, bronchitis, and encephalitis. Acute measles encephalitis has a mortality rate of 15%. While there is no specific treatment for measles encephalitis, antibiotics are required for bacterial pneumonia, sinusitis, and bronchitis that can follow measles.

All other treatment addresses symptoms, with ibuprofen, or acetaminophen (paracetamol) to reduce fever and pain and, if required, a fast-acting bronchodilator for cough. As for aspirin, some research has suggested a correlation between children who take aspirin and the development of Reye's syndrome.Some research has shown aspirin may not be the only medication associated with Reye's, and even antiemetics have been implicated,with the point being the link between aspirin use in children and Reye's syndrome development is weak at best, if not actually nonexistent. Nevertheless, most health authorities still caution against the use of aspirin for any fevers in children under 16.

The use of vitamin A in treatment has been investigated. A systematic review of trials into its use found no significant reduction in overall mortality, but it did reduce mortality in children aged under two years.