You may have heard about the increase in measles cases these days. You may have seen it in the newspapers or on the news. But there is no need to panic right away. If you know these facts, you can protect yourself, your family, and especially your little ones from this disease. Let's talk about this in detail, very simply, like talking to a friend.
What is measles?
Simply put, measles is a highly contagious infection that spreads easily from person to person . When it occurs, it appears as a rash on the skin all over the body, along with symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and cough. To be precise, it is caused by a virus. So, since it is a virus, there is no specific medicine, that is, a `cure`. Like other viral diseases, measles develops, and over time, it should get better on its own. It is the immune system in our body that fights this virus and heals us.
Why is measles so common these days?
In fact, in many countries of the world, including our own Sri Lanka, this disease has now been largely controlled due to good immunization against measles. That means that many people have been vaccinated, so the disease is less likely to occur. However, sometimes, especially in areas where people have not been properly vaccinated, or among groups that have not been vaccinated, we can see this disease spreading from time to time. That is why it is important for us to always be aware of this. We should not panic, but be aware.
What are the symptoms of measles?
The first symptoms of measles are usually a cough, runny nose, high fever, and red eyes . The eyes may become red, as if they have been crying, and it may be difficult to see in the light. These symptoms are similar to those of a common cold, so it can be difficult to recognize measles at first.
Let's also learn about Koplik's spots.
In addition, children may sometimes develop small, red spots with a bluish-white center called `Koplik's spots` inside the mouth and on the inside of the cheeks. These look like grains of salt. These spots appear a day or two before the rash starts. However, not everyone gets them, and some people find them hard to see. A doctor might suspect measles when they see them.
How does the yeast come out?
About 3-5 days after the initial symptoms begin, a red to brown rash appears. Sometimes this rash is accompanied by a high fever of up to 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) . The child may be very uncomfortable and have body aches during this time.
This rash usually starts on the forehead, as flat red spots. In children with darker skin, these spots may be difficult to see clearly. But if you look closely, you can recognize them. Then the rash spreads all over the face, starting behind the ears, down the neck, to the chest, stomach, then to the arms, legs, and finally to the soles of the feet. This rash usually lasts about 5-6 days. Some children can be very itchy when this rash appears. Sometimes the skin may peel as the rash fades.
How is measles transmitted?
Measles is very contagious. That's why it can be so dangerous. It's spread by inhaling small droplets (`droplets`) from someone with measles when they cough or sneeze , or by touching surfaces that have been contaminated with those droplets and then touching their nose, mouth, or eyes. Imagine, when someone with measles sneezes, those tiny droplets containing the virus get into the air. If someone nearby breathes in that air, the chances of getting the disease are very high.
A person with measles can spread the disease to others from 5 days before the rash appears and up to 4 days after the rash appears. This means that the disease can be spread even before the rash appears . This is the most dangerous thing, because you can spread the disease to others without even knowing you have it.
How can I protect my child from measles?
This is the most important question. You can protect your child from measles by getting the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, or MMR vaccine, on time. This is the best and most important protection available. This vaccine is very safe and effective.
Most children are protected against measles by the MMR vaccine. In some countries, the MMRV vaccine is also given along with the chickenpox (`Varicella`) vaccine. In our country, the MMR vaccine is the most commonly used. This vaccine is given in two doses:
- The first dose is given to the child between 12-15 months of age (in some special cases, for example, if the child is traveling internationally, it can be given earlier, i.e. from 6 months. You should discuss this with your doctor).
- The second dose is given between the ages of 4-6 , usually before starting school.
Most people develop good immunity to measles after the first dose of the vaccine. This means that they are more than 90% protected. This protection increases to about 97% after the second dose. This immunity is usually lifelong . This means that the chance of getting measles again is very low.
What if my child has not been vaccinated or cannot be vaccinated?
If your child has not been vaccinated against measles for some reason, it is still not too late . Even if your child is over the recommended age, you can get the vaccine at any time. Ask your family doctor or local health department about it.
However, if your child cannot be vaccinated due to a specific health condition (for example, severe cancer, a disease that weakens the immune system), or if the child's immune system is very weak, the best way to prevent measles is to:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly. You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay completely away from people who have measles.
- Keeping the child's surroundings clean.
What if an unvaccinated child is exposed to a measles patient?
This is something that needs some attention. For example, if you think your child has been exposed to a measles patient (who has not been vaccinated), inform your doctor immediately . It is important to act quickly and not panic.
For people who have been exposed to measles and are at high risk (especially unvaccinated children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems), doctors can give them a shot of measles antibodies, also known as immune globulin . This is like giving them a shot of soldiers ready to fight the disease. It is most effective if given within 6 days of exposure. These antibodies can either prevent measles from developing completely, or they can greatly reduce symptoms and stop the disease from getting worse.
Also, if someone who has not been vaccinated against measles receives a dose of MMR vaccine within 3 days (72 hours) of exposure to a patient, it may also help prevent the disease or reduce the severity of the disease. This should also be discussed with your doctor and a decision made.
Where can I get the MMR vaccine for measles for my child?
You can get the MMR vaccine for your child from your primary care provider's office , vaccination clinics in government hospitals, and well-child clinics run by most local Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices . This is a free vaccine provided by the government.
What should I do if my child has symptoms of measles?
If your child has a fever, cough, and a rash that you suspect may have measles, the first thing you should do is call a doctor or go to the nearest hospital immediately . As mentioned earlier, although there is no specific treatment for measles, your doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, provide the necessary advice, and check for complications.
Treatments you can do at home
Along with the doctor's advice, you can provide your child with relief by doing these things at home:
- Give your child plenty of fluids to drink. Things like water, broth, porridge, soup, and fruit juice are all good. This is very important to prevent dehydration.
- Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Keep him away from strenuous activities such as running and jumping, and let him sleep well and rest.
- If your child is having trouble with a fever, you can give them a fever-reducing medicine, such as children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen, in the amount prescribed by your doctor. However, be sure to follow the instructions on the medicine package for the exact amount and how often to give it.
Very important: Never give aspirin to a child or young person with a viral illness (such as a cold or flu). This can cause Reye syndrome, a very serious, life-threatening condition that damages the brain and liver. So be very careful with this.
- Keep the room dimmed, as measles can make your eyes sensitive to light (photophobia).
- You can give a little honey (for children over one year old) for a cough.
Be careful about these things too.
If your child's condition seems to be getting worse (e.g., difficulty breathing, chest pain, extreme drowsiness, seizures, or a high fever), tell your doctor right away. Measles can cause other complications. For example:
- Ear infections
- Croup (a cough like a dog barking due to swelling of the airways)
- Diarrhea
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Encephalitis (swelling of the brain, this is very dangerous)
During measles season, avoid sending your child to school, daycare, classes, or other public or group activities altogether. Keep your child home for at least 4 days after the rash appears. This will help prevent the disease from spreading to others, especially those who have not been vaccinated.
How do I know if there is a measles outbreak in my area?
In Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Health (`Ministry of Health`) or local MOH offices usually inform the public about such outbreaks. You can keep an eye on their official websites, Facebook pages or media releases. You can also ask your local midwife or doctor about this. You can find out about outbreaks in the world and in individual countries from the websites of the World Health Organization (`WHO`) and, in the US, the CDC (`Centers for Disease Control and Prevention`).
Finally, the most important thing
So, although measles is a contagious disease that can sometimes cause complications, the most important thing is to not worry unnecessarily about it, to be informed, and to act responsibly.
- The MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. Never forget to give your child the vaccine on time. It is the greatest protection you can give your child.
- If you have symptoms of measles (fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, rash), seek medical advice immediately. Do not self-medicate.
- If your child gets measles, follow your doctor's instructions. Get plenty of rest, give fluids, and keep them home to prevent spreading the disease to others .
- Never use aspirin for a viral fever, especially in children. This is very important.
- Following simple hygiene habits like washing your hands frequently can help prevent many illnesses.
If you keep these things in mind, you can protect yourself and your family from this disease and stay healthy. If you have any questions or need more information, don't hesitate to ask your family doctor or family health worker. They will help you.
` Measles, MMR vaccine, measles symptoms, children's health, infectious diseases, vaccination, Koplik's spots, immunity
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