ieExplains: Measles — Here is what you need to know
Airborne Infection Serious Is A Measles
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), measles is a serious airborne infection.
While often associated with a rash, there’s more to it than this and the virus can spread around the body, potentially leading to severe complications and in some cases death.
It usually takes around seven to 14 days for the first symptoms to appear.
You will typically suffer from a high temperature, as well as a cough, runny or blocked nose, and red, watery eyes.
The measles rash usually appears a few days after these symptoms. There may be small white spots inside the cheeks and lips, as well as a raised red rash that can start on the face and spread throughout the body.
- Cold-like symptoms such as aches and pains, a runny nose, sneezing and a cough;
- Sore red eyes that may be sensitive to light;
- A temperature of 38C or above, which may reach around 40C;
- Small greyish-white spots in your mouth;
- Loss of appetite;
- Tiredness, irritability, and a general lack of energy;
- Rash, which usually appears on head and neck first and spreads to rest of body.
Measles is highly contagious, meaning it can spread easily.
The virus is spread via small droplets from the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes, which are then breathed in by someone else.
However, you can also contract measles if you touch a surface that these droplets have settled on, and then put your hands near your mouth or nose.
There’s often been a misconception that measles is just a rash or fever that clears up in a few days.
But measles can be very serious, especially for babies and children under the age of five.
Unfortunately, there is no real way for parents to prepare for how severe symptoms may be for their child.
Complications can include brain swelling, seizures, pneumonia and serious breathing difficulties.
Measles can also be very harmful during pregnancy.
As measles is a viral infection, antibiotics won’t help. However, symptoms usually subside between seven to 10 days.
While there is no specific treatment, doctors advise resting and getting plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can help with a temperate and fever, and cotton-wool soaked in warm water can be used to gently remove any crusts from around the eyes.
If symptoms don’t improve or are getting worse, seek medical advice.
If there is any sign of breathlessness, reduced consciousness or a very high temperature that doesn’t respond to medication, seek urgent help.
The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, usually given in two doses during early and later childhood, is key for preventing measles.
Between 2000 and 2021, measles vaccinations stopped 56 million deaths worldwide, according to the WHO.
Those who did not receive the vaccine in childhood may still be able to get it as an adults – check with your GP if unsure.
In addition, avoiding close contact with somebody who is infected, regular hand-washing and covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing all helps.