From the Guidelines
Measles (rubeola) is a severe and potentially life-threatening viral infection with an incubation period of 10-12 days from exposure to prodrome and 14 days from exposure to rash. The disease can be complicated by diarrhea, middle ear infection, or bronchopneumonia, with encephalitis occurring in approximately one of every 1,000 reported cases, often resulting in permanent brain damage and mental retardation 1. Key characteristics of measles include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- A characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads downward The risk for death from measles or its complications is greater for infants, young children, and adults than for older children and adolescents, with pneumonia and acute encephalitis being the most common causes of death 1. In developing countries, measles is often more severe, with a case-fatality rate as high as 25% 1. Measles prevention is primarily through vaccination, with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine being the most effective method, and treatment is mainly supportive, including rest, fluids, and vitamin A supplementation in severe cases 1. It is essential to note that measles spreads through respiratory droplets and remains contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears, requiring isolation during this period to prevent transmission.
From the Research
Definition and Overview of Measles
- Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly communicable viral infection with serious complications 2.
- It is one of the world's most contagious diseases that can affect all people if they have not been vaccinated or have not had it before 3.
- Measles infection leads to immune suppression for weeks to months, and complications of measles are of high frequency and severity 2.
Transmission and Diagnosis
- Transmission of measles is dependent on person-to-person spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact 2.
- Diagnosis is based on recognizing the clinical picture and can be confirmed with results of laboratory testing, such as serologic tests or polymerase chain reaction 2.
Prevention and Vaccination
- Vaccination against measles is effective, cost-effective, and safe 2, 4.
- The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for children and adults, with two doses recommended for children and adults at high risk for exposure and transmission 5, 6.
- The vaccine effectiveness in preventing measles is 95% after one dose and 96% after two doses 4.
Complications and Treatment
- There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles; treatment with vitamin A is recommended for younger children to decrease mortality from measles 2.
- Complications of measles can be severe and include pneumonia, encephalitis, and death 2.
- Measles can lead to secondary infections, such as ear infections and pneumonia, and can also cause long-term health problems, such as blindness and brain damage 2.