Causes And Risk Factors For Measles
July 22, 2009
An acute viral infection which is accompanied by a distinctive red rash, measles is one of the highly contagious diseases in the world. Though measles is largely preventable through vaccinations, in countries where there are imperfect or incomplete vaccination programs, this disease is still the main cause of death among children.
The name of the disease has its origin in the German equivalent for “spot”, because of the spotty rash that accompanies this condition. Measles is not in any way related to Rubella or German measles. In the case of measles, infection spreads through droplets that are coughed, breathed out or sneezed. The measles virus attacks the respiratory system first because it is air borne and gradually attacks the entire body until the disease has run its course.
Though the condition is extremely unpleasant and uncomfortable, it is not very dangerous. The patient with this condition will suffer from cough, red eyes and runny nose accompanied by fever within 2 weeks of exposure. This is followed by a red rash which will gradually cover the entire body. The rash subsides by itself in a week’s time and will leave flaky skin behind. Even after the disappearance of the rash, the patient can be infectious for about a week. However after a single occurrence of this condition, the patient becomes immune from this disease forever.
There may be complications resulting from this condition. Respiratory infections can occur as the body’s immune system is fighting off this disease. Extreme symptoms also develop in some patients such as a swelling of the brain called encephalitis which can prove fatal. These complications can signal a public health risk especially when a large population stands a chance of being infected with this condition.
In 1963, vaccinations for measles were made available. Many children around the world are vaccinated against this dreadful disease. It is better for the patient to remain indoors when suffering from this condition. In this way he may not go about spreading the same. Care should be taken to keep the patient well hydrated and warm. A physician can check the patient for complications so that the virus is allowed to run its course smoothly.
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