Measles

Measles is a preventable, serious, highly contagious and acute febrile disease caused by the virus of the paramyxovirus family. It is an airborne disease in which the virus first attacks the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Symptoms of measles may develop about 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus and usually lasts about 10 to 14 days. Some of the common symptoms of measles include high fever, runny nose, cough, and small white spots that can develop inside the cheek during the initial days. Some serious complications of measles include blindness, severe respiratory infections like pneumonia, and ear infections.

Measles spreads easily from person to person and slightest contact with an active case may infect a susceptible person. Hence, all precautions should be taken to its spread especially to those with weakened immunity like infants, children, pregnant ladies or immunocompromised patients.

Measles can be prevented by timely administration of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is a safe and effective way to protect you and your family from measles. There is no specific treatment for measles. However, symptomatic care including good nutrition, adequate fluid intake, and rest along with vitamin A supplements can help in alleviating symptoms.