From the Guidelines
Measles does not "intracat" as this term is not recognized in medical literature, and instead, it is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected secretions. The incubation period of measles averages 10-12 days from exposure to prodrome and 14 days from exposure to rash, with a range of 7-18 days 1. Measles can lead to severe complications, including diarrhea, middle ear infection, bronchopneumonia, and encephalitis, which occurs in approximately one of every 1,000 reported cases 1. The risk of 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.
- Key characteristics of measles include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- A characteristic rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body
- The most effective prevention is vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, typically given in two doses during childhood, which can prevent or reduce the severity of infection if given within 72 hours of exposure, or immunoglobulin can be given within 6 days of exposure 1.
- It is essential to note that measles can be severe and have a high case-fatality rate, especially in developing countries, where it can be as high as 25% 1.
From the Research
Measles Infection
- Measles is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease caused by the measles virus, which can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, diarrhea, encephalitis, and death 2, 3.
- The disease typically begins with fever, runny nose, cough, and a characteristic erythematous, maculopapular rash 3.
- Complications occur in 10% to 40% of patients, and treatment is mainly symptomatic, with bacterial superinfections being properly treated with antibiotics 3.
Transmission and Prevention
- Measles is a global epidemic problem, and efforts should be made to improve the nutritional status of children and to eradicate the disease by effective vaccination 2.
- The World Health Organization recommends routine immunization with measles-containing vaccine, with the first and second doses at ages 9 months and 15 to 18 months, respectively, in countries with high rates of measles transmission 3.
- In developed countries, routine immunization with measles-containing vaccine is recommended, with the first and second doses at ages 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years, respectively 4, 3.
High-Risk Groups
- Adults at high risk for exposure, such as healthcare personnel, international travelers, and college students, should receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine 4, 5.
- Susceptible adults likely to come into contact with infected children, such as daycare center workers and teachers, should also be vaccinated 5.
- Vaccination is particularly important for individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, who should receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine once effective antiretroviral therapy has been established 4.