Measles is an infection caused by the Rubeola virus that has been around for centuries. Before the developmnt of the measles vaccine in 1963, measles epidemics occurred every few years, primarily affecting children, as it was so contagious. Measles is seen all over the world though the number of cases in the US has reduced dramatically after routine vaccination against the disease began in earnest.
There are two types of measles each caused by a different type of virus. The Rubeola virus causes what is generally referred to as plain ‘measles’ and characterized by cough, cold, fever, and a skin rash all over the body. This is also known as hard measles and in rare occasions can lead to encephalitis or pneumonia that is life threatening. In general however, people recover from this strain of measles without any long lasting health problems. German measles is caused by the Rubella virus and while this is a minor infection often lasting for only three days or so, it can cause serious birth defects if you catch this disease when you are pregnant.
Some groups are at a higher risk of picking up measles, like infants who are less than one year old (since they have not yet been vaccinated), if you have not received your proper series of vaccinations as recommended by the CDC, or you have received the measles vaccination before 1967 (which was older and more ineffective). Measles is still a deadly disease in some parts of the world, though there have been no recent cases of fatality in the US. Complications as a result of measles are more often due to malnourishment or low immunity than the disease itself.
Symptoms of Measles
The symptoms of measles start appearing only ten to fourteen days after the virus affects a person. This is called the incubation period and during this stage, the virus quickly multiplies in your body. The early symptoms of measles include:
A few days after the onset of these symptoms you will start noticing a red rash that starts on the face and then spreads to the arms, legs, and trunk. This rash consists of small raised reddish bumps that from a distance look like uniform red patches on the skin. This rash is not itchy but as you recover, there may be some peeling and irritation caused. You may also develop bluish-gray spots called Koplik Spots on the inside of your cheeks. This rash lasts for around five days with the fever reducing only a few days after the appearance of the rash.
Measles rarely causes any serious side effects or complications. However, if your immunity is low (due to malnourishment or HIV), there is a tendency to develop other conditions such as pneumonia, ear infections, or inflammation of the brain that can even be fatal.
Measles rarely causes any serious side effects or complications. However, if your immunity is low (due to malnourishment or HIV), there is a tendency to develop other conditions such as pneumonia, ear infections, or inflammation of the brain that can even be fatal.
If you contract German measles as an adult it can cause aching joints especially around the knees and wrists. The most severe complication associated with German measles is the possibility of severe birth defects caused when a pregnant woman contracts the virus and passes on the infection to her unborn child. German measles during pregnancy may even cause premature labor and stillbirths.
Causes of Measles
The measles virus is spread through droplet transmission. This happens when someone infected with the virus sneezes or coughs, in effect contaminating the air around with the virus. A person infected with measles is most contagious for four days before and after the rash appears. The virus can remain airborne for a few hours in droplet form and infect anyone it comes in contact with. The virus will then invade the body through the respiratory membranes and enter the bloodstream where it will multiply quickly over the next ten days. However, if you have been immunized through the vaccination or have contracted measles before, the virus will not cause infection.
Both regular and German measles are transmitted this way. Remember if you have been vaccinated for one or have had one strain of measles earlier, it does not mean the other virus cannot infect you in the future. Since both types of measles are highly contagious, the disease can spread very rapidly in a population that is not immunized against the virus.
Remedies for Measles
Measles treatment largely involves symptomatic relief. If you have measles the best thing you can do is rest in bed until the fever, cough, and cold have abated. This will also prevent other people from getting infected and spreading the disease. The patient should in fact be kept in isolation for at least ten days after the infection abates. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids throughout the day. Lukewarm sponge baths may help reduce the fever and body aches, and using a vaporizer or humidifier may ease the discomfort of your cough and cold. Fever can also be controlled using warm water enemas to remove toxins from the body. There are no specific medical remedies for measles apart from painkillers and medicines that reduce the fever. It is best to keep yourself as comfortable as possible and let the infection run its natural course. Children (and adults) should be kept in a well-ventilated room that is away from direct light. The eyes get very sensitive during measles and should be kept shaded to prevent further fatigue or irritation.
The only proven way to prevent measles is with the measles vaccine. The CDC recommends a schedule of vaccines that immunize children against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). This vaccine called the MMR or the MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella) needs to be administered before the age of 12 for optimum efficacy. Generally two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended before the age of one. Check with your doctor or pediatrician for the complete list of vaccinations and proper dosages for your child.
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