Measles; spread, signs and symptoms, management, prevention

Introduction

It is a highly contagious viral infection producing various symptoms and characteristic rash.

Causative organism: Morbilli virus (measles virus).

Incubation period: 7-14days

Mode of transmission

Directly by droplets spread through coughing, taking, spiting from infected persons Indirect: through freshly soiled articles from throat and nose secretion from infected individuals.

Signs and symptoms

Prodromal symptoms include;

Fever
Headache
Malaise
Convulsions

Skin: rashes begins on the face or below or in front of the ears. The rash spread within 1-2 days to the trunk, arms, and legs.

Gastrointestinal Tract:

Photo by CDC

Koplik’s spot (tiny white spots in the month)
Loss of appetite
Redness and soreness
Diarrhea

Eyes: conjunctivitis and redness of the eyes.

Photo by USC Roski Eye Institute - Keck Medicine of USC

Management

Isolate the patient
Give Symptomatic treatment
Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection
Tepid sponge the patient
Apply gentian violet solution (because of sores)
Bath child and apply soothing pomade.
Provide Nourishing diet.

Prevention and Control

Isolate infected individuals.
All contacts should be isolated and observed for signs
Concurrent disinfection of articles of infected persons
Measles immunization at 9months. During outbreaks, it should be given at 6months and repeated at 1 year

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