Measles was once a common childhood disease on the planet. The measles virus lives in the mucus of the nose and throat of people with this infection. This means that the virus can live outside the body - for example, on surfaces door bell and kitchen door.
Someone with measles is infectious for two to four days before the rash appears and for about five days after it appears. Though rare in the United States, 20 million cases occur on the global every year. Measles virus generally grows in the cells that line the back of the throat and lungs.
Recently in Pakistan It has 18,000 of the 25,000 cases reported around the country by provincial health authorities and more than 150 -- all children -- of the 495 deaths.
Most people who contract the disease recover but it can be deadly for malnourished children who have not been vaccinated.
Gender
- Both sexes (male & female) are affected equally.
Measles Causes
Virus is spread by contact with droplets from the, mouth, nose or throat of an infected person. It is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the mouth and nose when someone with measles coughs or sneezes.
Risk Factors
- Lack of vaccination against measles.
- Infection with the measles virus.
Measles Symptoms
Symptoms normally begin 8 - 12 days after you are exposed to the virus. This is called the incubation period.
Measles Symptoms may Include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Cough
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Rash
- Runny nose
- Redness and irritation of the eyes
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik's spots)
Measles Treatment
Some measures can be taken to protect vulnerable individuals who have been exposed to the virus.
- Use fluids and liquids, normally water, fruit juice, milk etc.It helps.
- Patients are advised to kept in a closed and darkened room. This curtains or dimming lights can help reduce light sensitivity.
- Patients are advised to avoid soft sugary drinks and caffeine rich drinks.
- For children use paracetamol or ibuprofen, it may be given in liquid form. Be careful children under the age of 16 aspirin is dangerous. Aspirin in children with viral ailments carries a risk of a severe liver damage .
- Vitamin A may be recommended for children under two years old especially those with vitamin A deficiency .It also helpful to prevent the measles virus.
- Use cough medicines are of little help but, be careful should not be given to children under the age of six.
- In patient room placing a bowl of water it will make the atmosphere more humid, which can help to relieve a patients through cough.
- Many cases of measles, especially with complications, hospital treatment may be required.
The important thing you can do to protect kids from measles is to have them vaccinated according to the schedule prescribed by your doctor.
Comments
Post a Comment